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

Shipping companies are being targeted by fraudulent messages requesting crypto payments in exchange for unimpeded 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 company, has issued a warning after several shipping companies received messages from scammers claiming to be Iranian authorities, asking for 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 duped and subsequently fired upon while attempting to transit 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. The US has initiated a naval blockade of the strait, seizing one Iranian vessel that attempted to evade the operation. Recently, Tehran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, with the fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks has assured that the messages are not from official Iranian sources, warning shipowners to be cautious of such scams. The fraudulent messages typically request documents and eligibility assessments by the Iranian Security Services, promising unimpeded transit at a pre-agreed time in exchange for cryptocurrency payments.