Hormuz Blockade Scam: Crypto Con Artists Target Stranded Ships

Shipowners are being targeted by fraudulent messages requesting crypto payments in exchange for secure transit across the Strait of Hormuz, with at least one vessel reportedly falling victim to the scam. According to Reuters, Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, issued a warning after several shipping companies received fake messages from scammers posing as Iranian authorities, asking for bitcoin or USDT payments. The firm believes that at least one ship was duped and came under fire while attempting to pass through the strait over the weekend. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely blocked by Iran since February 28, following the initiation of a war by the US and Israel, leaving around 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. The US has since imposed a naval blockade and seized an Iranian vessel trying to evade the operation. In response, Tehran proposed introducing cryptocurrency tolls for vessels in exchange for safe passage, with fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks has assured that the messages are a scam and did not originate from official Iranian sources, citing a fraudulent message that promised 'unimpeded' transit after payment in cryptocurrency.