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If you find yourself in the market for that coveted chocolate bar from Dubai (UAE), proceed with caution. Experts warn that scammers are currently capitalizing on this “viral craze.”
Dubai chocolate is a unique treat made with pistachio paste and kadaif—thin, crispy noodles often referred to as “angel hair.” This confection, named Can’t Get Knafeh Of It, was created in 2021 by chocolatier Sara Hamuda, founder of FIX Dessert Chocolatier. Last year, chocolate from the United Arab Emirates gained immense popularity worldwide, thanks in large part to social media.
Meanwhile, unscrupulous individuals are setting up fake websites that impersonate the manufacturer of Dubai chocolate and the company that sells it in the UAE. Typically, these scammers require upfront payment but fail to fulfill any orders. Essentially, they are exploiting consumer enthusiasm and trust in well-known brands.
What You Need to Know to Avoid Falling for This Trap
The manufacturer sells the popular chocolate bar for nearly $19, and it is only available in the UAE. “Currently, we do not offer international shipping or retail sales outside the region,” representatives of the Dubai chocolate manufacturer told the Daily Mail.
On their official Facebook page, the company explained that they do not have authorized resellers or even a website. Therefore, if you come across a slew of websites offering this chocolate while searching online, it’s likely they were created by scammers.
For instance, the first site in this lineup—fixdessertchocolate.com—claims to sell the Dubai chocolate bar for $18 (plus $15 for shipping). However, when customers attempt to place an order, they are informed that the total must be at least $150.
Another suspicious phrase from these “sellers” is: “Order with cryptocurrency and receive an extra chocolate bar!”
Another site—fixdessertshop.com—claims to sell bars for about $19 (plus $30 for shipping). But when potential victims agree to this offer, they are told that they need to pay an additional $108 to complete the order.
Yet another site—orderfixchocolatier.shop—informs customers that they must order at least six bars. But even if buyers pay this exorbitant amount, there’s no guarantee they will receive their order in the mail.
There are companies that produce and sell their own versions of this confection, but they usually clarify that it is not the authentic Dubai chocolate, but rather a similar product.
Experts believe that due to the hype surrounding Dubai chocolate, it’s best to avoid purchasing it from unfamiliar websites.
If you can’t buy that desired chocolate bar directly from the UAE, you’ll need to reach out to someone who can bring it to you.
By the way, a recent investigation in Germany looked into the presence of counterfeit Dubai chocolate bars on store shelves. The investigation found that these bars contained suspicious additives and contaminants. Experts identified palm oil, green food coloring, mold toxins, and even carcinogens among the ingredients.
