Restaurant dating scam called out on KISS FM
Shock jock Kyle Sandilands and co-host Jackie O have been left outraged at allegations that some restaurants use fake dating profiles to 'fill seats'.
The KIIS FM hosts called the move ‘catfishing’ after a listener rang the studio to reveal that several of her friends had fallen victim to online dating scams set up by hospitality venues.
“I've actually got a lot of single friends who are on Tinder and [other dating apps],' the caller told the radio hosts.
“They get dates and they organise to meet at fancy restaurants and then the guy apparently doesn't show.
“But this has happened a few times — It actually turns out that the restaurants are doing this to women to fill their spaces. So, I was wondering if you guys have ever heard about it?'
Sandilands and Jacko O heard that one waiter had admitted to catfishing customers to build bookings.
“One of my friends actually asked the waiter and he said that he sees this all the time. They just trying to fill the tables with attractive women,' the caller continued.
Sandilands called the tactic was a low act.
“That's the lowest form of restaurant seat-filling ideas I've ever heard of,' he said.
“So all these poor old ducks are out there, waiting for the man of their dreams. They've already eaten the bread roll, so you've committed to paying, and no one ever shows up. I can't believe there are restaurants doing this.”
The scam came to light on TikTok in November 2023 and was dubbed 'food-digging'. It sees restaurants post a fake dating profile and then organising a date. The victim is stood up and inevitably buys a meal.
If anyone is suspicious they are being catfished in this way, they are advised to suggest an alternative venue.
Jonathan Jackson, 7th May 2024
