Do you think LE will set up a phony website of a provider with email and phone just to set up bait? or not?

setting up an actual site.

Given all the overhead for what would amount to not much better results than with an escort mall ad, it's doubtful they would, but anything is possible.

(still not a lawyer)

Yes!! they have been known to set up web sites!!

Could they?  Sure.  
I do feel that providers with websites tend to be more serious about running their business, providing good services.  You still have to match that to several good reviews.  
The total package is used in evaluating a potential date.
skb

I have never heard of it here in TER or anywhere -at least nobody has posted a link and said "this website is an LE setup and they arrested me trying to contact this provider".

They have in Provo, UT. My cousin's husband is a cop there and he told me about it not knowing I hobby. LE can and has set up fake websites. Always verify any provider before you see her ether through reviews or other means. Because there is always a chance that it could be LE or someone trying to rip you off if you don't.

Setting up a web site to troll takes little time, using a template & I suppose internet or stock photos.  But to what gain?  Almost no one is going to see the web site without ads leading to it...  probably on a low cost ad venue.  

The sensible evaluation of prospects still apply.
Reviews...  at least some by experienced reviewers & spread over time.
TGTBT...  To Good To Be True, at a low price.  (Guys can't resist a "bargain".)  I love a bargain too, but it should make us wary enough to research reviews more closely.  
skb


 

They'd have to be very careful about it or else anyone they grab would make a claim of entrapment.

No different than a decoy on the street.  A website would hardly entice someone to commit a crime, unless they were already inclined to do that.
Despite what many people claim, accused that claim entrapment are very rarely successful.

He doesn't suspect you hobby and was tipping you off discretely?  

MVR

Yes, we are not close and he thinks hobbyist are scum. If he knew what I do he would go out of his way to see I got busted. He would not warn me. I am not playing anywhere near Provo, UT. Salt Lake is bad enough with there stings.

Depends upon the state or local laws, who do U
think that judge is going to believe????

An escort site implies one thing and one thing only.  It also makes the first contact in affect, theirs.  

On the street, a decoy waits for a prospective John to approach them. I'm no attorney, so I may be way off on this one.

Here's one from Hawaii.
I got busted from it.

Any hobbyist that did any research would find out very quickly all about it. I think they would want more for their buck.

I think it would pay off well enough but who knows?

its much easier to post a backpage ad then it is to create a website.

but sorry to hear it turned out so badly for you.

you can post a hobbyist survey on http://www.escortdrama.com

Yes. He was brought in as he had web pager deign experience and you don't need that to put up an ad. He does know the difference and he was real proud of the work he did. He said they had several busts off it. He said they even worked with other vice units in the area in the area including Salt Lake City's police department and they to had several busts. As for the domain name and other costs I don't know why they went through all that effort but they did. I told you all I know about this as that is all he told me. I can't link you to the site or anything like that. But, I do know him to be an honest man and so I do believe him. They don't always go after the low hanging fruit ,sometimes they reach a bit higher.

Jenna,
It's been a while since I've been to the Escorts Drama site.  Good reading.
skb