Scammers Target Ships Stuck in Hormuz, Demand Crypto for 'Safe Passage'

Shipping companies are being targeted by fraudulent messages requesting cryptocurrency payments in exchange for secure transit 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, requesting bitcoin or USDT. 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 been largely blocked by Iran since late February, leaving approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. The U.S. has initiated a naval blockade of the strait and seized an Iranian vessel attempting to evade the operation. Tehran has proposed the introduction of cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, with fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks has assured shipowners that the messages are scams and do not originate from official Iranian sources. The fraudulent messages typically state, 'After providing the necessary documents and assessing your eligibility, we will determine the cryptocurrency fee (BTC or USDT) to be paid, allowing your vessel to transit the strait unimpeded at the pre-agreed time.'