In the digital age, the prevalence of dating apps have more or less ruined the spontaneous nature of dating by making it too accessible, less romantic, and even uninspiring and meaningless.

With so many fish in the sea, people do not take dating so seriously. Sadly, it is human nature that when things are readily available and in abundance, we tend to forget their value. And at worst, some use the ample opportunity of meeting people through dating apps for no good.

Apps have turned the dating scene into a dangerous arena where some people can get cheated out of love, money, or both.

Deception is rampant in the dating world and the latest type of scam is not targeting the heart or burning a big hole in your wallet – it is to do with getting a free meal. It sounds pathetic, but it is a lot more common than you think.

There was a recent case in Hong Kong where a young woman would befriend unsuspecting men through dating appsand ask them to take her out for dinner the same day. Upon finishing the meal, she would make an excuse to leave before the bill arrived. The men then ended up picking up the bills that ranged from HK$400 to HK$800 per planned encounter.

It was later alleged by a local news site that the woman was colluding with the restaurant to “recruit” dining dates and she would be given a cut of the bill by the establishment. In this case, the woman got a free meal plus a commission. It was reported that she often set up multiple “sittings” the same night.

This may sound like a joke scam, but apparently “sneating” (sneaky eating) is becoming quite common in the dating world. It is also known as the “foodie call”, which is a play on the phrase “bootie call”, where sex is the object of desire. For those after a “foodie call”, however, the only thing they have on their mind is a free meal.

According to a recent study by researchers at Azusa Pacific University in the United States, about one third of women admitted they had dated a man simply to get a free meal.

Kenton, who does not wish to reveal his full name, is a Hong Kong teacher in his 20s, and he has been a victim of sneating.

“These women are probably thinking, if they are not going to get anything promising out of the date, they at least can get a free meal,” he laments.

Even though it does not involve a lot of money or time, it is still not a pleasant experience if you are on the receiving end of a food scam.

These people, who go on a date just for food, don’t feel they are being dishonest because they think they have contributed to the evening by trying to be an engaging dinner companion, he says.

“It really takes confidence to deal with those who are trying to mooch off you,” he says.

When it comes to dealing with suspected freeloaders, Kenton suggests the best way to approach it, provided that you have not invited them out, is to ask, “How do you want to split the bill?” or, “I’ll buy the dinner and you get the drinks at the bar?”

“You can always suggest splitting the bill. There’s no harm [in asking]. Freeloaders don’t want to look like one. They will always carry cash or credit cards. I always have both in case the situation calls for cash,” he says.

“Personally I take care of the bill because I [usually] invite the woman out, but you know she’s a keeper if she’s willing to offer a split,” he adds.

Another telltale sign is that most freeloaders want to go out for dinner quickly after matching on an app. So beware of someone if they seemtoo eager to meet up, and always have your wits about you.

“Don’t go out on dates right after you’ve matched with someone. Conversely, get to know each other, start with something small. Don’t go straight to dinner unless you’re that busy and that’s the only thing you can do,” Kenton says.

“There are better ways to get to know someone rather than chomping over food. A hike, picnic, a walk, or a coffee. You can go a different direction if you have similar hobbies such as go for a workout, a run, a painting class, or go shoot some photos together.”

Luisa Tam is a correspondent at the Post.