A growing problem in the United Arab Emirates involves restaurants hiring attractive women to match with men on dating apps, then coaxing them into dining at their expensive eateries.

Now, any seasoned traveler will tell you this isn’t exactly a new phenomenon. There’s a long-standing scam where a woman approaches a foreigner at a bar, inviting them to another location, then robs them blind with inflated prices.

But in Dubai, the problem seems particularly rampant. Guides for new arrivals include sections on “how to avoid commission dates,” with “experts” advising newbies to avoid Tinder/Hinge/Bumble dates with people who mention being a “foodie,” have a recently-created account, and post mostly dining content.

Sometimes, these accounts are just run by gals who want a nice meal. Frequently, however, these women are hired by restaurants to bring in unsuspecting men and run up a massive tab, getting a commission in the process.

So, if you want to avoid this, guides suggest insisting on meeting somewhere that isn’t a restaurant for your first date. Alternatively, you could just never go to Dubai. I know which one I’m choosing!

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