It may not be the oldest trick in the book, but it's safe to say it's certainly tried and tested.
A couple have divided opinions after they staged a proposal, however, the pair were not actually beginning the journey to their nuptials but wanted to blag some free samples at the winery.
As scams go, it's a classic by this point. A birthday won't work, because a venue can just ask for ID, but a proposal, well, it might be spontaneous. And how do you even prove that it's fake? It's not like you can demand they kiss, and not everyone chooses to have an engagement ring straight away, instead picking one out together. It's the perfect crime.
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Nonetheless, the couple's stunt has caused some controversy. While there are some people who respected the hustle of getting freebies, others pointed out that although they got free wine, it was through dishonesty.
A video shows the pair at a vineyard together before the boyfriend goes down on one knee.
The caption clarifies that the couple had faked it together. It then says that 'everyone started clapping' as the pair embrace following their 'engagement'.
It then switches over to some of the freebies that the happy couple received, as well as a social media post showing off the engagement.
Now, I'm no mastermind, but it seems to me that even the most brilliant of schemes to get free wine would be undermined by spilling the beans in a social media post. Do the scheme, reap the rewards, and keep schtum.
Their antics got a mixed response from people in the comments as well, with some praising their hustle while others were unimpressed.
One person wrote: "Tell me you're broke without telling me you're broke."
Another admitted that they had done the same thing, posting: "I did this at Alton towers for the free fast track. Safe to say we had the best day."
A third person even thought it didn't reflect well on the relationship, saying: "Imagine telling the world he thinks you're not really good enough for him."
Another couple pulled off a similar stunt to get free drinks while on holiday in Atlanta together, even enlisting the help of one of the bar staff. However, the pair later did get in engaged for real, in front of family.
Kit Roberts