A Bitcoin scam targeting shipping companies in the Strait of Hormuz has been exposed by MARISKS, a Greek maritime risk management firm.
The scammers impersonate Iranian officials, demanding cryptocurrency payments from vessels trying to transit the strait. They ask for vessel ownership documents, cargo manifests, and crew lists before sending a payment demand, often in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in Bitcoin or Tether.
At least one ship paid the fee and was subsequently fired at by Iranian boats. The scammers take advantage of a real policy implemented by Iran, which requires laden oil tankers to pay transit fees in cryptocurrency. This policy creates confusion between real and fake messages, putting shipping companies in a difficult situation.