Fraudsters Pose as Iranian Authorities Demanding Bitcoin from Stranded Vessels

MARISKS has issued a warning about fraudsters impersonating Iranian authorities to demand Bitcoin or USDT from stranded vessels. According to NS3.AI, these scammers are exploiting the situation as Iran's legitimate Hormuz toll can reach up to $2 million. Hamid Hosseini informed the Financial Times that Iran's official procedure involves submitting cargo details via email before determining the toll, which is reportedly payable in Bitcoin. The Gulf currently has hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 seafarers stranded, increasing the number of potential targets for these fraudulent activities.