Well, I screwed up my courage, called a provider, only to be asked for my last name, at which point I balked.  Is it common to be asked for one's last name, check ID's?  Thanks.

to reduce the possibility of you being LE.

Name, address, phone number, work number are all standard issuance in the biz.

If uncomfortable with that, you will have to limit your erotic extracurricular activies to massage parlors and the like where annonymity rules, but LE busts are becomming more commonplace.

Think of it this way:  Would you want to take a chance on a provider who is not careful with screening?  What does that say about her and the possibilites that you are being set up?

The last thing a con-man wants to do is put obstacles between his con and his mark.

 LE is the same way with their stings and respective decoys. An LE decoy/sting is not going to request anything from you other than "C'mon over".

you can always use a verification site like Date-Check or Preferred411. They get your info and keep it confidential whule assigning you a code number.

Providers who accept these services (like myself) will probaby still require a last name, but all your more sensitive info will be shielded.

I usually encourage hobbyists (*especially newbies*) to research the information available to tem online so they have a confidence in the provider they are planning on meeting.

I also encourage all hobbyists to communicate in advance with the provider and establish a comfort level that will give both of you the confidence to meet without some of the added stress of trying to walk into a situation with an absolute stranger.

In regards to the exchange of personal information, if you have confidence that the lady you are planning on meeting is a professional....… (*and, that she has a proven history of protecting the gentlemen who spend time in her presence*) then you shouldn’t be too overly concerned with her having your personal information.

Another consideration would be to utilize one or two of the secondary screening sites available to hobbyists. These sites will set up a membership for you, which will protect your personal information while still affording a provider with the security of knowing you are who you claim to be. (*RS2K is one such site, preferred411 is another*)

If it is any encouragement, once you have “broken the ice” so to speak, with a new provider, you will then have the reference that many providers seek to add to their level of comfort when meeting new friends.

Just be sure to maximize your experience by choosing a provider in your area carefully that participates in listing on TER and utilizing the white list they have here (*or date-check or other similar sites, depending on your location*)...…the good news is that Providers who are established usually offer their clients such amenities and are willing to help when the hobbyists decides to meet a new provider. (*I have been told by hobbyists that this is one of the behaviors that they look for to help them decide on a provider that will afford them a great encounter as well as benefit future meetings*)

Again I am sorry you were freaked out....… (*at least you know you are alive and the excitement was probably good for a Cardiac workout*)  Just teasing, but nothing ventured nothing gained, right....…

Good luck in your venture, I hope you find what you are seeking....…     Kisses ~T

I've been asked this once in 60+ encounters.  I was not comfortable with this and she graciously gave me other options.

nt

A few years ago I stepped up my hobbying after discovering TER, and had to provide lots of details to see the well reviewed ladies.

I dropped out for months, and had to do the same when I returned.

Bullshit! When a provider shows me her ID, DL, CC, SS# etc, then I will show mine. Until then, N.F.W.

Once I have gotten to the point where I am comfortable giving my work phone number, (and I usually arrive at this point after reading her reviews and making a judgement call) I will.  When a provider calls, I answer by my first and last name anyway (I have to assume its a regular business call). So she is comfortable with me and has her information. Under no circumstances would I give out my home number or address.

toss your name into this: http://www.peoplefinders.com/

and for free they give you your age, names of relatives, and cities where you've lived in the past.

For $20, they give you your address, wife's name, divorced wife's name, and any property you own.

If the person, who you've given your name to can't  get your home telephone number from yahoo or google or switchboard, etc, they can pay $50 to get that and much much more from peoplefinders (or a number of other sites).

Here's the most recent case where giving your name out can lead to major problems:

http://www.nypost.com/seven/02022007/news/regionalnews/mystery_vips_in_sex_trap_regionalnews_kieran_crowley_and_cynthia_r__fagen.htm

I understand the provider's need to know their customers. But, even if she is on the up and up, and wouldn't dream of messing with you, if the cops bust her, they will then have your name. I prefer lax security and a remote chance of a raid, over the long term exposure of my name in someone's black book.

On the other hand, the provider who posted her picture earlier in the thread was very tasty.