Fraudulent Scheme Targets Ships Stranded by Hormuz Blockade with Promises of 'Safe Passage' for Crypto Payments

A recent wave of fraudulent messages has been targeting shipowners, offering safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for cryptocurrency payments. According to reports, at least one vessel may have fallen victim to this scam. Marisks, a maritime risk services company, has issued a warning after several shipping companies received messages from scammers posing as Iranian authorities. These messages requested bitcoin or USDT in exchange for safe transit. The firm believes that at least one ship was duped and subsequently fired upon while attempting to navigate the strait. The situation is exacerbated by the blockade of the strait by Iran, which has resulted in approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters being stranded in the Gulf. The U.S. and Israel initiated a conflict with Iran, prompting the blockade. In response, Tehran proposed the implementation of cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage. The crypto fees would likely be paid in bitcoin. Marisks has assured that these messages are scams and did not originate from official Iranian sources. The fraudulent messages claim that upon providing documents and eligibility assessment by the Iranian Security Services, a fee in cryptocurrency would be determined, allowing the vessel to transit the strait unimpeded. The shipping company has not responded to requests for comment.