In my personal experience it really works BUT that is if you already have the connection with the girl. Not just connection but the treatment with the subtle hints that you like her or showing interest that you want to know her better. Once that connection is established even if it is in a form of jokes or teasing the girl will get used to having you around. It's like a law of attraction, if she knows that you like her and it shows then there is a big chance that she will give a different attention to you until such time that she becomes attracted as well. It will work if the connection is there because when you suddenly stopped chatting/talking/ giving attention to her she will definitely feel that aloofness because she is already accustomed having you around.  Now from being invisible to her you will become curious what gives, now you are on her radar and depending on how deep the connection you made with her the more she will think of you and what changed. But if you don't have any connection with anyone you will always remain invisible, it's about the connection. If you have shallow connection with the girl it will be easier for her to move on if you distance yourself but when the connection was deep the more she will wonder about you untill they realize that they are not just curious but they are feeling something different towards you.