The recent viral obsession with luxurious Dubai chocolates has created the perfect opportunity for cybercriminals to exploit eager dessert enthusiasts. Kaspersky security experts issued a warning in January 2025 about the rise of sophisticated fake websites impersonating legitimate retailers like Deliveroo and Fix Dessert Chocolatier. These counterfeit sites primarily target consumers in the UAE but have expanded their reach to chocolate lovers worldwide. “Scammers are often quick to capitalize on trends, and the Dubai chocolate craze is a prime example of this,” said Olga Svistunova, a security expert at Kaspersky.
The Dark Side of the Dubai Chocolate Phenomenon
The incredible popularity of Dubai chocolates has spawned numerous viral trends online, including the famous Dubai chocolate strawberry cup trend. Unfortunately, this popularity has also attracted scammers who recognize the potential for profit. These criminals create deceptive websites that look nearly identical to legitimate platforms but exist solely to steal money and personal information.
What makes these scams particularly dangerous is their attention to detail. Fake sites often feature professional photography, convincing product descriptions, and pricing that seems reasonable enough to be legitimate. They frequently offer slight discounts to entice buyers without raising suspicion that would come with dramatically reduced prices.
The target demographic spans globally, but UAE consumers face the highest risk due to the local chocolate craze. Many victims discover they’ve been scammed only after weeks of waiting for chocolates that never arrive, by which time the fake sites have often disappeared completely, taking their money with them.
How Scammers Execute Their Sweet Deception
Scammers employ sophisticated techniques to create convincing impersonations of trusted retailers. They’ll often register domain names that closely resemble official stores—for example, using “deliveroo-dubai.com” instead of the legitimate “deliveroo.ae.” These small differences can easily go unnoticed by excited chocolate enthusiasts eager to try the viral Dubai chocolate desserts they’ve seen online.
Sarah Hamouda, founder of Fix Dessert Chocolatier, has explicitly warned customers that her company’s products are exclusively available through the official Deliveroo platform in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “We’ve received multiple reports of websites claiming to sell our chocolates internationally,” Hamouda stated. “These are all unauthorized and fraudulent operations.”
The typical scam begins with eye-catching advertisements on social media platforms or through targeted email campaigns. Pop-up ads often feature mouthwatering images of chocolate creations that have gained popularity, such as the famous Dubai chocolate pistachio tart. When users click these ads, they’re directed to the counterfeit sites where the trap is set.
Once on these fake platforms, shoppers are encouraged to create accounts, enter personal information, and ultimately provide payment details. After payment, communication typically ceases, and the promised chocolates never arrive. In more dangerous versions of this scam, the criminals also use the harvested personal information for further identity fraud.
Essential Safeguards Against Chocolate Scams
Protecting yourself from these chocolate-themed scams requires vigilance and attention to detail. The most important step is verifying website authenticity before making any purchases. Always check the precise URL in your browser’s address bar—legitimate sites typically use secure domains with proper certification.
Here are specific steps to verify a chocolate retailer’s legitimacy:
- Check for SSL encryption (look for the padlock icon in your browser)
- Investigate the site’s “About Us” page for company details
- Search for independent reviews from other customers
- Verify contact information and test it before ordering
- Research the company on social media for consistency
“To protect themselves, users should verify the authenticity of online stores and be wary of unusually generous deals,” advised Olga Svistunova from Kaspersky. The payment method also matters significantly when making online purchases. Credit cards typically offer better fraud protection than direct bank transfers or cryptocurrency payments, which are virtually impossible to recover once sent.
If you’re passionate about desserts from around the world, including authentic Dubai chocolates, it’s worth researching global dessert traditions to understand where and how to purchase genuine products. This knowledge helps you recognize when an offer seems too good to be true.
Using reputable cybersecurity software like Kaspersky Premium can provide an additional layer of protection. These programs can detect and block phishing websites before you inadvertently share your information. They also monitor for unusual activity related to your personal data, providing early warning of potential fraud.
Official Channels: The Only Safe Way to Purchase
Both Deliveroo and Fix Dessert Chocolatier have taken steps to combat these scams by clearly communicating their official sales channels. Prashant Talwar, Director of Groceries & Retail at Deliveroo UAE, emphasized that genuine Fix Dessert Chocolatier products are only available through their official platform within specific service areas.
Fix Dessert Chocolatier has implemented additional verification measures on their Deliveroo listing, including unique packaging elements that counterfeiters typically can’t replicate. The company has also launched an awareness campaign to educate consumers about how to identify legitimate products versus fakes.
For chocolate enthusiasts outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi, patience is unfortunately necessary. The legitimate brands are working on expansion plans, but currently, if you see these products offered for direct shipping to international locations, they’re almost certainly fraudulent. Understanding chocolate in different cultures can help you find excellent alternatives while waiting for official expansion.
If you’re planning to submit a favorite local dessert shop to our business directory, you can help other dessert lovers find legitimate retailers and avoid scams. Sharing information about trusted businesses helps build a safer community for all dessert enthusiasts. Submit a favorite local dessert shop to our growing resource of verified retailers.
Staying Alert in a World of Digital Treats
The demand for exotic chocolate creations continues to grow, making this scam likely to persist and evolve. Staying informed about the latest security threats and trends is essential for any online shopper. If you encounter a suspected scam site, report it to local cybersecurity authorities and to Kaspersky’s phishing report tools.
For those with a passion for creating their own delicious treats at home, you might consider experimenting with recipes inspired by Dubai’s famous chocolates. You can even submit a dessert recipe to be featured on our site, sharing your culinary creativity with fellow dessert lovers while avoiding the risks of online scams.
The global dessert community can play an important role in combating these scams by sharing information and reporting suspicious sites. Forums and social media groups dedicated to chocolate enthusiasts often maintain lists of verified retailers and known scams, making them valuable resources for anyone looking to purchase exotic treats.
While exploring the delicious world of Dubai chocolates, don’t forget to check out our churro and foodie-themed apparel shop for unique items that celebrate your love of desserts. With vigilance, community support, and proper knowledge, we can all enjoy authentic culinary treasures while keeping our personal information and finances secure.