As tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz increased, fraudulent messages were sent to commercial shipping companies and cybercriminals. Scammers are trying to imitate Iran’s toll collection system, which accepts payments in Bitcoin (BTC) and Tether (USDT).
Cryptocurrency fees in Iran have become a target of cryptocurrency scams
Security company MARISKS stated that a number of shipowners had been contacted through messages allegedly sent by Iranian representatives. These actors supposedly demanded payments in digital currencies such as Bitcoin and Tether to pass through the strategic choke point.
“These specific messages are a scam,” the company claimed. It also indicated that the messages were not sent by any government authority in Iran.
This fraudulent act coincides with geopolitical tensions and turmoil in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important global energy corridors. It was the usual route for about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, and is now idle. the The United States maintained the blockade Iranian ports while Iran also closed the waterway.
With ceasefire talks uncertain, Tehran has considered imposing fees on cargo ships to pass through the waters safely. This made things more difficult for the shipping operator, but seemed better than a complete siege of Hormuz. And also with The US-Iranian ceasefire is about to expire On Wednesday, things became more serious.
MARISKS detects the contents of fraudulent messages
Reportedly, two ships were fired upon as they attempted to leave the strait. MARISKS warned that a deceptive cryptocurrency scam could have spoofed at least one of these ships. The security company noted that one of the ships that attempted to exit encountered gunfire and was also the victim of a cryptocurrency scam.
MARISKS reviewed the fraudulent messages and revealed their contents. According to Reuters a reportThe company said: “After submitting documents and evaluating your eligibility by the Iranian security services, we will be able to determine Fees to be paid in cryptocurrency (Bitcoin or USDT). Only then will your ship be able to cross the strait unhindered at the previously agreed time.
Currently, more than 20,000 ships remain stranded in the region as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran continues.
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