Crypto Scam Targets Ships in Hormuz Strait
- Scammers are posing as Iranian authorities to extract fees
- Shipping companies face confusion over legitimate payment demands
- At least one ship has reportedly fallen victim to this scheme
Crypto scammers are increasingly targeting vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, leading to potentially costly deceptions. Reports indicate that at least one ship, which encountered Iranian gunfire, may have been misled into believing it had compensated Iran for safe passage.
A maritime risk management company, MARISKS, issued a warning regarding these scams on April 20, alerting shipowners about fraudulent messages soliciting transit fees in bitcoin or tether from scammers masquerading as Iranian officials.
Confusion arises as Iran has been asserting control over this crucial shipping route, which is vital for the transport of a significant portion of the world's oil and gas. To further complicate matters, Iranian authorities have begun to demand cryptocurrency payments from vessels navigating through this key maritime corridor.