You didn't SPECIFY a reputable, well-reviewed provider.  You advised a newbie hobbyiest to start with providers who didn't require screening.  I'm a newbie provider (TER approval pending),and perhaps I'm wrong, but judging from what I've read on the boards at several different sites, the reputable and well reviewed providers are the ones who usually DO screen.  Not like I, or any other provider, should be calling up with, "This is Nicole the Escort and I need to know if Joe Blow really works for you."  One can be professional.  "Hello, this is the Blah Blah Agency/Company.  May I have your HR department, please?  We would like to verify employment on Joe Blow.  Thank you."  Why is this such a big deal?  Would you get ticked off at a "regular" company or store for calling to verify employment?  It is a standard business practice.  We are essentially running a small business, so why should we behave differently?  We are extending a form of credit in scheduling a block of our time for you in the first place and trusting you will show up and are not a cop or a psycho.  It also seems to me that if a provider isn't concerned enough about her personal welfare to be cautious about who she sees, why should she be concerned about OTHER important issues, like maintaining proper hygiene, using safe sex practices, getting herself checked for STDs regularly?  That does affect YOUR personal safety, now doesn't it?  The little details that get drawn in tell you a lot about the big picture.  Oh, and all of us aren't private investigators.  What happens if you have a common name?  Bit harder to do a background check then without any specific info.  If you have any suggestions for us non-detectives short of hiring someone who DOES know all the other screening methods, which could lower our profit margins and make prices rise (ECONOMICS 101), please share the info.  Yes, there are the Son of Sam types out there who we aren't going to find out about until too late, but statistically, that is a small percentage.  A much LARGER percentage will turn out to be cops, people who want to stiff us, and whackos.  If we make it known that backgrounds will be dug into (as best they can be), then we at least weed some of the garden out.  I am now getting down off my soapbox.  Thank you.

"Hi this is Alyssa at the Family Y. I am trying to contact Mister Smith. He left an item here the other day and we have been unable to reach him on his home phone and this is listed as his work contact number. Is he available to speak with? Oh he is, thank you very much yes I can hold."

I am a personal trainer. If a gentleman uses his work information this is usually what I say. I tell them that if someone asks why the Y called tell them you stopped in to inquire about a membership, filled out some paperwork and accidently left your sunglasses. No one would blink twice. I have never ever emberassed a single client with that call. Usually it sets them up to the idea that working out isn't a bad idea.  It's all up to the provider you choose and your comfort level. In the area I am in I see alot of newbies. I verify that their work information is an actual place. I then call to verify that they work there. Easy as one, two, three. Why would a well reviewed, reputable provider want to blackmail you anyways??? I have had several gentleman refuse to give me the information and it does not matter to me. Fine with me darling call someone else. If someone can not understand my desire to remain safe and "date" someone legit then screw him...but it won't be me.