Fraudulent Crypto Tolls Target Shipping Vessels in Blockaded Strait of Hormuz

Maritime risk services have issued urgent warnings to shipowners regarding a sophisticated cryptocurrency scam targeting vessels attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. Fraudulent actors are posing as Iranian security officials, demanding payments in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT) in exchange for guaranteed safe transit through the volatile chokepoint. These scams emerge amidst a severe geopolitical crisis following the initiation of war by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Since February 28, Iranian forces have largely blocked traffic in the strait, while a U.S. naval blockade ordered by President Donald Trump has further restricted movement. Approximately 20,000 oil tankers and freighters are currently stranded in the Gulf. Marisks, a Greek maritime risk firm, reported that the scammers use a process of 'eligibility assessment' and document verification to lend credibility to their demands. The firm explicitly warned that these messages are entirely fraudulent and are not affiliated with official Iranian sources. The danger of these scams is underscored by reports that at least one vessel may have been fired upon over the weekend after attempting to use the fraudulent 'safe passage' agreement. This adds a layer of criminal opportunism to an already extreme security environment, significantly complicating risk management for global shipping companies operating in the region.