Hate seeing people going through these types of experiences, I can totally sympathize with and understand the concern and even in some cases giving into the demands of the people behind these types of situations.
Its so frustrating to see these Aholes weaponizing stigma and the current written law in order to take advantage of a client.
As understandably frightening as this situation may be, these people typically won’t follow through with their threats which may seem hard to believe in the moment.
Extortion, uttering threats, in some cases material benefit are all serious offences with just as serious sentencing possibilities. Actually following through could lead to them getting caught, not worth the risk (obviously) which why these threats rarely come into fruition.
Another common tactic aside from threatening exposure is threatening to involve or impersonating law enforcement. Albeit it is currently written that it’s illegal to purchase sexual services. But is it actually enforced? And do they care? Unless someone’s person has been harmed or threatened and their well being and security infringed upon, the answer is no.
I’ve had conversations with a good friend currently working in OPS about the industry and its legality. Despite the current law, their focus and involvement really centres around intercepting human traffickers and rescuing their victims, or support sw victims and investigating matters where a client caused harm to and compromised the sw’s well being.
Otherwise, the doings of regular “Johns” seeing “regular sw” who work of their own volition aren’t exactly seen as acts of crime but rather for lack of a better a better word “taboo”. So long as everyone is safe and good, they’re no cause for concern.
In these types of situations, not only does the victim experience unnecessary hardship and stress but it further expands the rift and propels the mistrust between clients and providers which is unfortunate.
Not all providers who screen or require a deposit are scammers, not all clients who don’t feel comfortable in partaking in screening are time wasters. But rather than question, attack or belittle someone for either having a screening process or saying they aren’t comfortable in going through one, accept that and move on…. It should never be seen as something personal imo, an appointment shouldn’t result at expense of either sides boundaries.
There are definitely pre cautions and things to be mindful of and take into consideration to help avoid these types of incident from reoccurring or having happen to you at all.
• thoroughly review the ad you’re viewing, use image look up, does the provider have other platforms? If you don’t see one listed, it never hurts to ask! aka a link to social media or website?
* does she have any reviews? Yes things can be YYMV but this is again, to verify that they’re more so legit and that they’re at the very least who they say they are and will follow through with a session. Keep in mind every experience is unique could vary person to person. Just because someone experienced something (positive or negative) doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll share the same experience, having an open mind without set expectations (other than the ones previously discussed during correspondence) but rather letting everything play out organically truly enhances the experience, and makes things more comfortable and enjoyable for both sides = likelier positive experience
* try to keep personal information as private if possible. In instances where a deposit or ID verification is required to book and you’re not comfortable, that’s totally fine! If you’re not comfortable don’t do it, however, don’t try to convince or pressure a sw to bypass her screening protocol. Maintaining your boundaries shouldn’t come at the expense of someone else’s, both are equally important and should be equally respected.
You might be able to inquire about an alternate option that could potentially work if they’re open to it. As an example: I accept references as an option for those who don’t feel comfortable providing a deposit or ID. Otherwise if it’s indicated as non negotiable, or if they say no again respectfully move on.
I hope that the OP or anyone else knows this isn’t their fault, they didn’t deserve to have that happen to them and hope despite this experience they’re able to keep an open mind and eventually meet someone with whom they feel safe and comfortable, and are able to have the best possible, most fulfilling experience & hopefully turn things around 🩷 stay safe everyone