Recently while screening a gentleman for a potential booking, I asked if he was a member of any review boards like TER or would a known local provider be willing to provide a reference. He stated he was not a part of any review boards, but that he sees a provider through an agency that would be willing to provide a reference. After providing me with the agency's name & the name of the provider, I told the gentleman I would call him back once everything has been verified. So I went to the Google website & typed in the agency's name & went directly to their website. I noticed the agency carried the TER logo @ the bottom of their home page so I then in turn logged into TER to see their reviews. To my surprise, there are only three agencies listed but none of them was the one I was looking for. However, what I did find is that 2 of the ladies that were apart of the agency had reviews, but the provider who he named that would give the reference did not.
I've tried to find TER guidelines about using their logo as an agency, but I could not find any information about agency guidelines. This definitely raised a red flag with me because this agency was using the TER logo on its website like they have been well reviewed when its actually some of the ladies who are working for the agency that has the reviews. Feeling uncomfortable about the situation I kindly called the gentleman back and told him his reference was unable to be verified.
So what I would like to know if its "legal" for this agency to use the TER logo making it seem like the agency is reviewed when actually its the ladies working for them that have some reviews? The profile of the the two ladies I viewed did not mention the name of the agency at all. What was going on here? Was I correct with my conclusions or is it common/legal for agencies to pose in such a way?
Ok, thank you for your answer Cyclist, but I feel as though maybe you didn't understand the reason for my question...
In reponse to your reply: 1-I mentioned nothing abt the provider having any links to her site. What I did say was the Home page of the AGENCY had the TER logo which is where my concern started.
2-Anyone can put that logo on their page??? Last time I looked, isn't that false advertising? And I'm sure if an IP did that, a lot of hobbyist would be upset (not abt the logo but just false advertising like b&s). As far as sharing banners is concerned, I'm sure there would be a violation as well.
3-I also mentioned the gentleman already told me he WAS NOT a part of any review sites so no I wouldn't go checking any other sites.
So in conclusion, it just seems to me u r saying its ok for me to trust the verification of a provider or agency whom IS NOT reviewed or known in the area when the one major thing I've read from prev threads to other hobbyist is to stick to ladies & agencies who are well reviewed. Maybe u didn't quite understand, but none-the-less I used my own conclusion for the situation at hand and decided not to book.
P.S. Not trying to be disrepectful and again thanks for your response, IMHO the whole thing was shady from the 1st contact & I am at peace with the decision I've made.
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