You're looking for love, and like many of your 21st century counterparts, you decide to take the hunt online. You fill out your profile with detail and intent - you aren't just looking for a date; you're looking for a mate.
The next day, you get a message from a beautiful woman, which reads as follows: "Hey! My name's Tara. I read over your profile and you seem very interesting, because I think we have a lot in common. Want to get together sometime?" You click "Reply" before you're even done reading the email and the next thing you know you're setting something up for next Friday.
You even send your friends a message, bragging about how beautiful she is. You want to impress this one and you pick the nicest restaurant you can think of and afford. You meet, have a great evening and it ends with a kiss on the cheek. Next week, another date, another fancy restaurant, another smooch. But after that, the conversation tapers off.
You replay your steps: she said you have a lot in common, you were a gentleman, you showed a genuine interest, you picked up the check, and you weren’t pushy or weird - what could you have done wrong? She tells you she wants to back off a little. There's a chance she just wasn't into you, but all too often, she was taking advantage.
It is reported thousands of members of these online dating websites are in it just for the “free food for life” campaign. Some have breakfast, lunch and dinner free every day, with three different guys, while tricking them into thinking they're interested. Some women take this scam a step further and strike a deal with the restaurant to get commission every time they bring customers in. It seems someone is trying to make a living off of your soul slowly dying.
How to avoid: if you're really looking for a soul mate, start things off with a coffee date - or at least go somewhere within your price range. Sure, it's nice to take someone out with the aim to impress, but a person looking for a life partner won't need you to spend $200 to know if she likes you.