Scammers are allegedly posing as Iranian officials offering transit clearance in exchange for BTC or USDT payments via encrypted scam messages.

Greek maritime risk management firm MARISKS has warned shipping companies about fraudulent messages targeting vessels stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz.

In fact, scammers are demanding cryptocurrency payments for “safe passage.”

Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Unknown actors posing as Iranian authorities have contacted shipowners, requesting transit fees in Bitcoin (BTC) or Tether (USDT) in exchange for clearance. MARISKS said the messages are fake and not from Iranian authorities, and called them a scam. The message cited by…