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

Shipping companies are being targeted by fraudsters asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for safe passage through 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 claiming to be Iranian authorities and requesting bitcoin or USDT payments. The messages are believed to be part of a scam, with Marisks stating that at least one ship may have been deceived and subsequently fired upon while attempting to navigate the strait. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely blocked by Iran since late February, resulting in approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters being stranded in the Gulf. In response to the US and Israel's military actions, Iran has proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage. The crypto fees, likely to be paid in bitcoin, were announced by Hamid Hosseini, spokesperson for Iran's Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters' Union. Marisks has assured that the messages did not originate from official Iranian sources, describing them as 'a scam'. The fraudulent messages, as cited by Marisks, claim that upon providing documents and being assessed by the Iranian Security Services, a fee in cryptocurrency will be determined, allowing the vessel to transit the strait unimpeded at a pre-agreed time.