Though some areas, notably Illinois, have started to make it so.

Nevertheless, you are very wise to avoid getting busted.

Here's how you be almost 100% sure:  Stick to well reviewed providers, and be sure you have TER VIP priviges so that you can check out their reviews.

There's no other safe way.

New to all of this would like to meet up with a girl but how do you know if this chick is not a cop or anything, cause I
Sure that would be a felony on ones record an jail time .. So what are ways to identify and prevent LE stings.

As mrfisher stated, in most areas, it's only a misdemeanor, not a felony.  However, it's the aftermath of an arrest that will probably cost you the most,  and have the largest effect on your life.  Again, stick with well-reviewed providers by established reviewers.  Doing your research before making a date is your best option for staying out of trouble with uncle LEO.  If they are smart, you will not have an easy time identifying a sting.  Just do your researchJ!!!!!

Swim

Some folks here might think this is "creepy" or just a bad idea, but I like to arrive very early for an incall date. If I can swing it, sometimes I will get there 45 minutes to an hour ahead of time. I will park far enough away that I am not suspicious, but close enough that I can see the area where I will be going. Then I just hang out and relax. I play Angry Birds on my phone. Answer a few emails. Return a few phone calls, etc. Stuff I normally need to get done anyway. That passes the time pretty quickly. While I am doing those things, I also keep an eye out for any strange activity. If LE is in the area, they will usually show themselves during that amount of time.

I've never seen LE anywhere nearby and never had a problem. Although I do, of course, research everything ahead of time on TER, so that greatly limits the risk.

Good idea, def scout out the area before and the day of too. Trust ur gut, usually when u get a bad feeling (vs nervousness) be sure to check it out and make sure. At the end of the day nothing is guaranteed, we just have to manage risk

Solicitation is a misdeameanor (most places), but lying to LE is a felony.

Remember the Fifth Amendment:  You have the right to STFU.

Beyond your name and address, you owe them nothing, and don't fall for their baloney that if you are honest and tell them everything they'll be sure you'll be OK.  To them, OK means booked and in jail.

Just tell them that you will not be making any statements.

1) If you haven't already, get VIP membership.  This is among the first important steps you can take.  Having full access to reviews is essential in conducting the research needed as a newbie.  2) Avoid BP and Eros ads as a newbie...there are too many pitfalls.  3)  Your first few visits should only be with ladies with multiple excellent reviews here and/or on other reputable sites, over at least a year or more.  If she posts on TER, especially commentary beyond ads, so much the better.  4) Develop a cover story that you can use in case you run into LE.  LE isn't stupid, but may not pursue things further if you keep your cool, and don't obviously obfuscate.     5) To reiterate point #3...reviews, reviews, reviews.  The more good ones over a long period of time, the less likely you will be risking running into Uncle Leo when you get to her location.    And the more likely you'll be leaving afterward with a smile on your face...

I guess for the first time I have to assess the potential risk against the potential pleasure.  I have been looking at sites and reviews for a long time. It is not a lack of desire or lack of funds it is the life changing concern over the down side consequences.  Maybe i will just get lucky one day and meet a provider by accident and in the course of the conversation revael my desire and her availibility    thanks for providing the insight.

But if you have made your way to this site and have been looking at escort sites and reviews for a long time, to use your words, you are already in deep up to your eyeballs. What could happen is that one day or night you won't be able to stand it anymore and make the mistake of calling a Backpage advertizer. When you do, that which you fear could be upon you.

A wiser approach is for you to sample select providers. You can get set up with a verification site, maybe one outside the US and use only Meets and Greets that take place in your area to find providers. The setup won't be any different than a date with a civvy that you just met.

If you "happen" to meet a provider in a place where one would expect to meet a provider, she is either a decoy that will lead you into handcuffs or she is a ripoff or poor performer. None of those choices will serve you well or keep your name out of the news.

I don't like words. I like birds crashing into "rude little pigs!"