Well, I'm American, although I've been in W. Europe longer than I lived in the USA at this point. Regardless, I don't see the value in lying about your intentions while framing it as performing a social good. Deceive someone into thinking you might be a friend, or friendly, but then ghost them if they attempt to engage. For whose benefit? In that case, just leave me alone. I will figure out the next steps on my own without having to take on the burden of trying to decide if the person messaging me is worth caring about.
I don't see it either when taking it literally. So that made me think: perhaps there's some cultural signal I'm not getting. Something that cannot be said out aloud.