Scammers Impersonate Iranian Authorities to Dupe Shipowners with Crypto Payment Schemes for Strait of Hormuz Passage

Shipping companies are being targeted by fraudsters asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for unhindered passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting at least one vessel may have fallen victim to the scam. Marisks, a maritime risk services firm, has issued a warning about these fraudulent messages, which claim to be from Iranian authorities and request payment in bitcoin or USDT. The warning comes as shipping traffic through the strait remains largely blocked due to the ongoing conflict. According to reports, approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters are currently stranded in the Gulf. The scam messages, which have been deemed fake by Marisks, assure shipowners that upon providing the necessary documents and paying the required crypto fee, their vessels will be allowed to transit the strait without issue. The incident has highlighted the growing concern of cryptocurrency-based scams in the maritime industry, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Strait of Hormuz.