Scammers Target Ships with Fake 'Safe Passage' Offers Through Hormuz

A wave of fraudulent messages is targeting shipowners, asking for cryptocurrency payments in exchange for unhindered passage across the Strait of Hormuz, with reports suggesting at least one vessel may have fallen prey to the scam. Marisks, a Greek maritime risk services company, has issued a warning after several shipping companies received messages from scammers posing as Iranian authorities, requesting bitcoin or USDT payments. The firm believes that at least one ship has been a victim of the scam and was fired upon while attempting to navigate the strait over the weekend. The Strait of Hormuz has seen significant disruptions in shipping traffic due to the blockade imposed by Iran, leaving approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters stranded in the Gulf. The U.S. and Israel initiated a conflict with Iran on February 28, prompting a naval blockade of the strait by the U.S. and the seizure of an Iranian vessel attempting to evade the operation. Recently, Tehran proposed the introduction of cryptocurrency tolls for vessels seeking safe passage, with the fees likely to be paid in bitcoin. Marisks' alert comes after such proposals, emphasizing that these messages are scams and do not originate from official Iranian sources. The fraudulent messages assure shipowners that upon providing the necessary documents and eligibility assessment by the Iranian Security Services, a fee in cryptocurrency will be determined, allowing their vessel to transit the strait unimpeded. The shipping company has not responded to requests for comment.