Had seen Scarlett’s ad for some time.  She always was intriguing so finally decided to take the plunge.  She asked for a deposit which I didn’t love but she has positive reviews so I wasn’t too worried.  Sent the deposit and made plans to meet.  I arrived and texted that I was there, and she asked for the rest of the donation.  Communicating had been so easy that I really didn’t think I was being scammed.  So like a dummy I sent the rest and the she went dark.  I assume I was just immediately blocked.  Heck at this point I don’t know if I was even communicating with her or not.  

Her reviews stopped coming in after 12/2024. Guessing someone is impersonating her or the provider went the scam route. At least you're safe. Money will always come back.

Yes I was thinking the same thing.  Odd thing is the Venmo and PayPal “she” gave me to use to pay seem like they tie to a real person.  But like you said somebody could be using her info and/or likeness

This happens way too often please don’t see women who require a deposit and maybe that will end. I won’t see them and there are plenty out there that don’t require it . It’s to easy to get scammed do you prepay  your doctor hair stylist mechanic legitimate massage therapist or physical therapist plumber or electrician . Think with the big head. If we make ourselves vulnerable and targets for this we open ourselves up to all kinds of trouble. Would you pay a stripper for a dance two days from now

''do you prepay  your doctor hair stylist mechanic legitimate massage therapist or physical therapist plumber or electrician...''

as a licensed massage therapist and skin care specialist with her own beauty business outside of the hobby, for new clients I do require a 45.00 deposit to book and also keep their cc on file in case of a last minute cancellation. My stylists also charges a 10percent deposit to hold / book your appointment and at the spas I've worked at they all required a cc on file and charged an either 45 or 50.00 deposit to book the appointment and if [because we all worked on commission]if there was a last minute cancellation or no call no show they would charge the card the full amount because they had to pay the technician / therapist for their time because they could have had another appointment in that time slot. My vet also charges 40.00 deposit to schedule for first time visits and if you don't show or don't reschedule they will charge you as well.  But see once you are an established client the deposit is no longer needed. I don't charge a deposit although I have experienced last minute cancellations in which they have offered to rebook and compensate me for my time when they show the next time and have always followed through, and with the no call no shows I take the loss and put down DNS and I just wont entertain their email or text and wont see them.  

Just my 2 cents.

You can't really compare the two because if a legitimate business scams you, you have actions you can take. If a provider scams you, you are SOL.

I'm not saying you can't do a deposit, because I do totally understand that a lot of people no-show. I do agree with the line, "If you don't value your time, no one will." I just don't think it's fair to compare the two.

Sadly, since scamming seems to be becoming more popular in this world/business (especially with the improvement of AI), I do wonder if it will become harder for girls who are legit to get deposits due to increase in scams. I'm not going to argue about who gets screwed over more. There is always two sides of a coin. It takes two to tango. It would be better if a lot of people (especially clients) would consider this more.

(Trying my best to walk a fine line here since my goal is to still be respectful and understanding of your side here too.)

Thank you for that explanation and I appreciate your comment as well, and I do agree with what you said here. The two ARE different[outside businesses and the hobby] and it is sad that with AI and all the scammers its making it harder for any legit provider worth their salt to build a business without missing out on a great client because the require a deposit and they don't want to pay it.  Years ago when I first got into the industry it was so much more fun and easier to build a clientele and not really have to worry about much but having a great time. Now with all this and after the shut down and the scammers and BS its making hard to have fun which is why I truly value the clients I do have the opportunity and the pleasure of spending quality time with.  There are definitely two sides of a coin and I do agree with ''It would be better if a lot of people [especially clients]would consider this more''.

Thanks for being respectful with your comment. I normally don't post on things [I do read a lot of the comments] but this I guess resonated with me so I just thought I would put my thoughts into this one.  

Harper Harlow

Ms. Harlow, whom I haven't met, seems to manage her affairs in a very professional way — P411 for screening, a well done personal website, a solid social media presence, and interaction here, etc.  And of course, our own Paige Savage is the gold standard for professionalism. I would have no problem giving either of these ladies a deposit.  They have built brands and reputations, seem ready to protect them,  they are in the long game.  Someone with a single Tryst post and a phone number, or worse, just an OnlyFans link--not so much.    I also think MaybeALittleNerdy is on point too, scams are becoming more common.  So do your homework, think with your brain, be willing to invest a bit. And perhaps be OK with a little disappointment once in a while, if anything, it makes finding the gems even more worthwhile.

Aristotle85, can I just say thank you for those kind words I do my best to stay positive and I also agree, I think Paige Savage is amazing although I have never met her either, but I do like her professionalism and common sense to how she reacts to certain threads.  I do like to make sure my brand is relatable and I am very happy to get to meet some great genuine friends along the way. I'll be back home in May to visit family and play a little while I am there.

 
Appreciate you.
Harper

I just wanted to clarify my position . There is a large number of  providers that have no reviews  and are asking for deposits of 150 to 400 dollars . This  is  a substantial amount of  money. This practices has allowed for scammers to come out of the woodwork. This isnt a 10 dollar charge to hold an appointment. If guys continue to support these large deposits the scamming will only get worse. Play safe use your heads and think with the big head. If you choose to pay a deposit make sure they are legit like people that have been listed here. My personal approach is to avoid that deposit completely.

My understanding is that 25% or less of the total fee is a standard deposit, and between 30-50% would only be for special circumstances (FMTY, DMTY, multi day dates, touring provider). I think if the deposit falls outside of this range or you're being asked for more digitally before meeting (remainder is almost always paid in cash) that should be a red flag. Having a good sense of industry norms BY MARKET (norms are different for high end for example) helps with noticing red flags. The deposit amount should match the situation and your level of comfort/risk assessment.

yup and 25 percent of 600 dollars is 150 as  I stated `

So what do you do when a hooker scams you out of deposit?  Contact the BBB, leave a scorching review on yelp, contact the MN dept of Commerce and file a complaint, sue them in small claims court (Id love to see the judges face when that suit  gets on the docket)?  Theres no avenue for redress in these situations and just because legit businesses charge deposits doesnt mean hookers should.

I would recommend just doing some research to avoid such things. That's why this site exists. I would also say being a little more respectful can help too.
Not gonna lie, if I was meeting someone, and they called/referred to me as a "hooker" over and over again. I'd probably would take your money and run too.
I am guessing you were a little upset when you originally posted that. Kindness and a cool head can go a long way in life.