Scammers Target Ships Stranded by Hormuz Blockade with Fake Crypto Payment Schemes

Shipping companies are being targeted by fraudulent messages requesting cryptocurrency payments in exchange for secure passage across the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting at least one vessel may have fallen victim to the scam. According to a warning issued by Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, several shipping firms have received messages from scammers posing as Iranian authorities, asking for bitcoin or USDT payments. The warning follows a significant disruption to shipping traffic through the strait, which has been largely blocked by Iran since late February. The U.S. and Israel initiated a conflict in the region, resulting in a substantial backlog of approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. In response to the blockade, Tehran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe transit, with fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. However, Marisks has assured that the messages received by shipping companies are scams and did not originate from official Iranian sources. The fraudulent messages typically include language such as: 'After providing the documents and assessing your eligibility by the Iranian Security Services, we will be able to determine the fee to be paid in cryptocurrency (BTC or USDT). Only then will your vessel be able to transit the strait unimpeded at the pre-agreed time.' The shipping company has yet to respond to requests for comment.