Um, excuse me, but there are plenty of ladies on BP who are perfectly legitimate. Hi there, pleased to meetcha.

Just check for reviews. Sadly, BP no longer allows any kind of links whatsoever, so women can no longer directly link to their reviews. However, its really not that hard to plug the phone number in the ad into TER's search form and find out if she has any reviews.

Found some independant providers on backpage I was interested in meeting with but wasn't sure the best way to "verify" them. Is there certain sites or things I should ask that anyone can tell me about that will help me check on them to make sure they are not scams or LE or is it just not a good idea to meet with providers on backpage as a newbie until I'm more experienced?

...Backpage girls are notorious for Bait & Switch, Cash & Dash, or even being LE.  The only exception I can think of is that some traveling providers post ads on BP but include their TER ID# or a link to their reviews.  We newbies should stick only to well-reviewed providers. Pesonally, I don't even go on Backpage any more.

Despite what some on this site claim backpage has plenty of great providers on it and other escort malls have just as many scams on them. You need screen every lady you see in this business as scammers are common and LE is out there. Here is how to screen the ladies to weed out those you don't want to see.

First does she have reviews or other sites, if she does read them. If not as a newbie you should stay away. Then look at who wrote the reviews. Is he an experienced hobbyist if so that is a plus. If he don't have many reviews be a bit leery of using them as your only screening method. Contact some of her clients that have reviewed her see what they have to say. Run the photos through tineye.com to see if they are stolen. Google her phone number and email to see if any red flags come up. Check her ad history is she new to the seen if so be a bit more careful. Does she advertise else where or have a website if so check them out. Then and only then do you make an appointment. And always use your big head and if something seems off run.

Not one of them was Bait & Switch, Cash & Dash, or even LE. Now I have screened many of bad providers out, but I can't even find a lady on Eros that can get past my screening in my area. There are cons that advertise everywhere. The key is not to avoid backpage but to do your homework and screen everyone. The one time I failed to do so I was robbed and no I did not find her on backpage. I have found undesirable providers advertising every where even on TER. Proper screening is a must to stay safe. See my other post for how I screen.

BP, CV, Eros, they're just the starting point. It's what you do afterwords. Meaning, do your prerequisite homework. I have met many great providers on backpage and will continue to look at backpage.

While I still think what I said is valid, there's obviously more to say, as has been pointed out.  My full screening also includes reading reviews on BGFE and checking listings on P411 and Date-Check, which also have links to other review sites.  Also, I'm new at this, too, so I should probably lay off giving too much advice!

Well said scoed.  You can window shop on EROS, BP, etc. but if a newbie only sees well-reviewed ladies, his chances of a good experience are much better.  TER VIP is a must to read the details in the reviews since the profile could be outdated (set by the 1st reviewer).