Crypto scam lures ships into Strait of Hormuz, falsely promising safe passage

Crypto scammers are impersonating Iranian authorities to demand bitcoin or tether "transit fee" payments from vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime risk firm MARISKS warned shipowners after reports that at least one vessel may have been tricked by a fraudulent clearance message and another was fired upon after reportedly receiving permission to pass; authorities are investigating possible fraudulent messages amid roughly 2,000 ships stranded near the strait.