TechFlow News, April 21: According to a Reuters report, Greek maritime risk management company MARISKS has issued a warning that some shipping companies stranded west of the Strait of Hormuz have received fraudulent messages impersonating Iranian authorities, demanding payment of a “transit permit fee” in Bitcoin or Tether (USDT). MARISKS confirmed these messages are scams and not issued by official Iranian authorities.
MARISKS stated that the scam messages claim recipients must first submit documents for assessment by the “Iranian Security Department,” after which the required cryptocurrency payment amount will be determined. Currently, approximately hundreds of vessels and around 20,000 seafarers remain stranded in the Gulf. During Iran’s brief opening of the Strait on April 18, at least two vessels—including one oil tanker—were forced to turn back after Iranian vessels opened fire on them.
