Scammers Target Stranded Ships with Fake 'Safe Passage' Offers Through Hormuz

Reports have emerged of shipowners receiving fake messages asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for guaranteed safe passage across the Strait of Hormuz, with at least one vessel believed to have fallen victim to the scam. According to Reuters, Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services firm, has issued a warning after several shipping companies reported receiving messages from scammers claiming to be Iranian authorities and requesting bitcoin or USDT payments. The company believes that at least one ship was duped and came under fire while attempting to navigate the strait over the weekend. The Strait of Hormuz has seen significant disruptions to shipping traffic since the US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran on February 28, leaving around 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. In response to the US naval blockade of the strait, Iran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, with the fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks released its warning on Monday, emphasizing that the messages were scams and did not originate from official Iranian sources. The fraudulent messages allegedly stated, 'After providing the necessary documents and assessing your eligibility, we will determine the cryptocurrency fee (BTC or USDT) required for your vessel to transit the strait unimpeded at the pre-agreed time.' Iran has not commented on the matter, and the shipping company has yet to respond to requests for comment.