Greedy fraudsters set up fake websites to cash in on Dubai chocolate craze
Chocolate fans hoping to get a taste of the latest trend are being urged to be aware of where they’re buying from.
The Fix Dessert Chocolatier bar is going viral on social media right now, with taste tests and unboxings of the stuffed chocolate treats gaining thousands of views.
The bars were created by Fix, a chocolatier in Dubai which was founded in 2021.
Since then they’ve gone viral, with news organisations around the world from CNN Travel to the New York Post calling them the ‘millennial Willy Wonka’.
Flavours include Can’t Get Knafeh Of It, which contains a traditional Arab spun-pastry dough soaked in sweet syrup, the You Karak Me Up which is infused with traditional Karak tea, and its most popular bars which are stuffed with a rich pistachio paste.
And their chocolate bars have sold incredibly well, with Deliveroo naming their chocolate the top trending dish sold worldwide in 2024.
It’s important to note that the chocolates are only available to buy in Dubai through Deliveroo – they don’t have a website, a physical shop, sell their products on social media, or have any official resellers.
Fix has warned customers not to fall for scams, telling customers: ‘Please be aware of scammers!
‘Self-proclaimed distributors are not storing the Fix dessert bars in the right conditions and selling them at three times the price, taking advantage of our loyal customers.
‘We are working incredibly hard to make Fix available across more cities, ensuring you get the quality and authenticity you deserve.
‘Whenever we have a new selling point we will announce it on our official pages.’
In the wake of Fix’s popularity, scammers are trying to cash in on their success.
Cybersecurity and digital privacy firm Kaspersky discovered a number of scams related to Fix, including cybercriminals creating fake websites impersonating Deliveroo.
How to avoid falling victim to scams
- Verify website authenticity: Check URLs, domain names, and customer reviews before making purchases online
- Be wary of unsolicited offers: Scammers often use pop-ups, ads, or phishing emails to direct users to fraudulent sites
- Avoid sharing personal information: Only provide sensitive details on secure, verified platforms
- Use comprehensive security solutions: Reliable cybersecurity software can block phishing sites and prevent malware infections
By mimicking the trusted delivery brand, criminals are exploiting customer trust to lure them into ordering chocolate bars which will never arrive.
Others create fake e-commerce stores, posing as independent vendors selling Fix chocolate – but once payments are collected the websites are taken offline, once again leaving customers empty handed.
Security expert Olga Svistunova said: ‘Scammers are often quick to capitalise on trends, and the Dubai chocolate craze is a prime example of this.
‘Using tactics that prey on consumer enthusiasm and trust in established brands is an effective way for cybercriminals to succeed.
‘To protect themselves and avoid disappointment, it is crucial that users pay attention to details, take time to verify the authenticity of online stores and be wary of any deals that seem unusually generous – they may be designed to deceive.’
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