Personally, I try to keep everything to myself. I got a prepaid hobby phone gave a fake address even for that (They don't ask for ID.) When I am with providers: I have my dream job, I live a different place and sometimes even get rental cars.

Maybe I am too paranoid but who knows? Better safe than sorry. Maybe I will be the president by 2020 :P

Like everything in the hobby it is about risk tolerance. I have little to lose if the provider leaks so I am willing to give a lot of real info like full name, references, employment info, a picture, my P411 info, TER handle, a traceable phone number and heck if she really wants I will let her talk to the wife and ask her if it is OK if we meet up. Hows that for open with screening information?

Now for others this would be way too much as they got to keep this part of their life hidden and anything but their fist name, references, and screening site information is to much risk as what you give out can become public. Not all providers are honorable and busts do happen. Assume she is storing all the information she finds out about you and leaks happens.

One hard fast rule do not give out stupid information like the whole driver licence number, social security number, credit card number, checking account information or any other such information that can be used to steal your identity.

The more well established and safe providers will want you to give them more information while the less carefull and less well established providers will ask for less.  LE, for obvious reasons, doesn't care at all.

So, if you desire safety by not wanting to give out much information, you could end up with a gal who not safe (or LE!), while you could be more secure by seeing someone who does require a lot of information.

For my part, I see the latter, not the former; and I've been fine.

For new clients with no provider references I ask for their real full name,age, and phone number. I also ask to see their license when we meet face-to-face.(but if I feel him out the first few minutes and he is OK I sometimes forget this step)

Well reviewed ladies will require more information and likewise your information should be safe with them. With the information I ask I can find your job,if you're married,how much you make yearly and your address. Will I remember this info or write it down? Heck no...unless you short me my rate or do something that is a huge no-no. Then I will be your worst nightmare....

Any provider who doesn't ask for references,verification service, or your info is either LE or unsafe(as mrfisher said) If I go through all this trouble to verify you are who you say you are don't you think you'll be safe with me? I don't bite...hard....

If you're not comfortable giving a provider all your info then go through a verification service and they take your info but let's the ladies know you are serious and verified you are who you say you are.