A dangerous new crypto scam has emerged amidst the global energy crisis. MARISKS, a leading Greek maritime security firm, has issued an urgent alert after unidentified scammers began impersonating Iranian authorities to extort Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT) from shipping companies.
The Modus Operandi:
With over 20,000 seafarers and hundreds of vessels currently stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz due to the U.S.-Iran blockade, fraudsters are exploiting the desperation of shipowners.
The Fraudulent Offer: Companies receive messages claiming to be from "Iranian Security Services." The scammers offer "safe transit" and "pre-clearance" through the chokepoint in exchange for a cryptocurrency fee.
The Payment: Victims are told that after an "eligibility assessment," they must pay a determined amount in BTC or USDT to avoid impediment.
The Fatal Consequence: MARISKS warns that these messages are 100% fraudulent. On April 18, at least one vessel—believed to be a victim of this scam—attempted to pass through the strait, thinking it had "pre-cleared" the fee, only to be met with warning shots from the Iranian Navy and forced to turn back.
The "Viral" Evidence:
Radio transmissions have recently gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), where the crew of the Indian-flagged tanker Sanmar Herald can be heard pleading with Iranian forces: "You gave me clearance to go! My name is second on your list! You are firing now!" This audio confirms the tragic confusion caused by these cyber-criminals.
Why Crypto?
Scammers are leveraging the blockchain's anonymity and speed to bypass traditional financial monitoring. This incident highlights a dark side of crypto utility—where the lack of a "reversal" mechanism in transactions makes it the perfect tool for wartime extortion.
The Bottom Line:
There is currently NO official crypto toll system for the Strait of Hormuz. Any request for BTC or USDT for maritime passage is a scam. Shipowners and operators are urged to communicate only through official diplomatic and established naval channels.
Could this incident lead to stricter global regulations on "untraceable" crypto wallets? Share your thoughts below! 👇