Shipping companies in the Strait of Hormuz have been targeted by fraudulent messages demanding cryptocurrency payments for a "transit permit fee." According to MARISKS, a Greek maritime risk management firm, these messages impersonate Iranian authorities and request payments in Bitcoin or Tether (USDT). The scam involves submitting documents for evaluation by supposed "Iranian security authorities" before determining the fee. Currently, hundreds of vessels and around 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Gulf. On April 18, during a temporary opening of the strait by Iran, at least two vessels, including an oil tanker, were fired upon by Iranian ships and forced to retreat.