I see some great looking providers on there but it just seems like a big sting op by local LE.  My luck, I would be busted.

I was a newbie about 10 months ago, and had spent some time viewing CL erotic ads, but being too scared to act on them, before learning about TER.  I have seen two providers who advertise on CL, but not before seeing several reviews for each of them here or on other national boards.  On the other hand, I had fallen in lust with one CL advertiser in particular, only to read reviews saying the pics were taken about 50 pounds ago, and she had only mediocre performance ratings, so that research saved me some hard earned money, now available to spend on well-reviewed providers. My recommendation is that, as a newbie, you do the same. You can use the review search function for their name, area code, phone number, etc.  If it shows up blank, just go on the the next lovely lady.  You can also ask questions about specific ads on your regional board. The longer you are in the hobby, the better your BS detector works, and the less likely you are apt to get robbed, hurt, arrested or worse by TOFTT.  Do you research and this hobby can be very rewarding.

Last week there was a sting at a Holiday Inn in Nashua, NH.  Although the police have not released details on how they conducted the sting, in previous stings they have posted bogus ads on CL and rounded up the guys as they showed up for appointments.  The chances of that happening when you are visiting a provider with multiple reviews on TER are close to zero. For the last several days there has been discussion on the NH CL erotic page as to whether the police can post nude pics in their bogus ads, or if the model must be clothed. So now, some of the respectable providers advertising on NH CL who do not show nude pics are under fire as potential LE fronts. Well, WHO CARES??  Any guy who had done his research would not have been caught in that situation!

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Re: Craigslist Erotic Ads... Are they for real?

Hi, I'm a newbie here too. I've just started out meeting clients, and subtly being coached by a longtime escort friend of mine who lives a thousand miles away. I normally go with my gut instinct on most of the email I receive. My postings are on CL too. YES SOME ARE REAL! Being new, I don't yet have any of the resourses of confirmation, or verification. I know the clients have to be careful, but my method of verification is genuine, and maybe I'm being a bit naive, but a little trust that I will not publish their personal information would go ALONG way. I'm told after an appoinment I am just like the girl next door. Getting started is the most difficult though. any suggestions?

The answer is yes and yes and you don't have any way of knowing unless you can find a review or someone who has already taken the plunge.  Easy to fall into a bait/switch situation, upsell, or just a plain rip-off too!  LE is only one of the problems.  In my area, there are a couple of guys on the TER boards who have earned my trust from their comments and reviews.  Some of them dabble in CL and then let the rest of us sheep know about any hidden jewels via the boards.  That's the only way I do it (now - lessons learned!)