Alrighty, so after thinking it over for a long while, I've decided to try this out. I just requested a meeting with a very very highly-rated provider and got an email with details on how to reserve the booking.

Along with asking when she can call to screen, I was instructed on depositing a specific amount into her paypal account. On her site it did state that a deposit is required by CC or paypal, so obviously she has to tell me how much to deposit.

But would you say this all sounds legit? Just wary being new to this and all.

Thanks in advance!

associated with this. The ONLY exception I would make would be for an overnight, or weekend, with a gal I'd already seen.

Why risk it?  99.95% of legit providers don't require it!

NEVER, I repeat, NEVER send an advance deposit to reserve an appointment with a provider.
NEVER.

You say that she is "very very highly-rated" and that her website states she requires deposits.  Hence, it's likely that the other reviewers who had a fantastic time gave her a deposit as well... and had a great experience.

If you are uncertain at all about her professionalism and reliability, I would pass; or even PM some of the reviewers to see how she was about the deposits with them.  If you really want to see her, do it.

I've requested deposits for 4+ hour dates from new gentlemen, when I've traveled, when I've taken vacation trips, and I even have a discounted prepay option for packages of 3+ visits.  Never in five years have I taken someones deposit and not honored a visit, other than the time I was ill and promptly refunded it.  Honor and integrity are vital to those of us ladies who ask you to trust us enough to make deposits for any reason - we're not likely to ruin our reputations over a couple hundred dollars.

.02

Deposits are something that I have never made and probably never will. As everyone has said previously, the potential downside is far greater than any benefit.

That being said, there ARE providers that require a deposit and I would feel comfortable in sending one. But there are very very few of them and the main reason I'll probably never engage them is they are well outside my price range.

Even if someone tells you they did it and it worked out, you do not know how many were not so fortunate.

Well I'm glad I asked.

Am I looking at any other serious downsides other than losing the 100 deposit? Could there be legal problems with using paypal? The email address I'd be paying to sounds like a business name, which seemed strange.

She is definitely on the higher end of the rate scale, so that may explain the deposit. And the great reviews and reputation seem to make her legit.

can make for exposure to trafficking in prostitution. Remember Governor Spitzer?

-- Modified on 8/3/2008 1:11:16 PM

As a Newbie, keep it SIMPLE.  Pay cash, and forget deposits! Get A top reviewed lady, and be happy, and relaxed.

If the appointment involves traveling, it's standard to take a deposit.  Even if it's local but if I have to drive far - like 100 miles - then I would want a deposit.  For very high end ladies, I believe it's not uncommon to require deposit for all appointments.

Inquiring minds want to know...  have you checked the lady's reviews HERE on TER?  Do you have VIP & read about other's experiences?  This would answer all your concerns.
If she's not TER reviewed, you should skip this RISKY meeting for one that is verifiable.  

After you have some experience, if you want to risk TOFTT, then you'll be better prepared for it.  So many dudes want a super first experience (I did too) but are disapointed.
skb

Yes, she is reviewed on TER, and the reviews are all 9's and 10's. That's why I felt confident in choosing her. I, however, do not have VIP status at the moment.

I don't really care about losing the 100, but the electronic trail with a paypal transaction is making me nervous, like ed2000 brought up, I'm seeing images of Spitzer running across my mind.

Argh.

didn't you also once promise "no new taxes"?

do you mean one or two 10 scores, or pages of high reviews? Here on TER or on other sites?

Unless she is particularly high end, AND has pages of reviews on TER, I would pass. Too much risk when there are so many alternatives without upfront deposit which is more easily traceable.

If she is so well reviewed and high end, all the information for booking should be on her personal website. Why it had to come separately in an email is also a red flag to me.

As a lady, I avoid PayPal at all costs.  Not only can you contest the payment, but PayPal can and does freeze all accounts linked to adult services.  For deposits GreenDot cards, prepaid gift cards, Western Union, etc... anything other than PayPal!  I question just how professional she really is if she doesn't offer something more discreet, and considering the nominal deposit being requested.

Since she's "well reviewed" and only asking $100 deposit, there is very little for you to loose.  Just ask if she has any other options to help maintain your confidentiality.

As to Spitzer reference, I'm a little frustrated every time I see this. It was his bungling with the finances that caused issues for the ladies, NOT the other way around.  If you are not a politician who has made enemies, if you are not doing thousands of dollars of financial shell games that the banks themselves question, if YOU are not under federal investigation already... well, there is very little for you to worry about on that end.  If you ARE in that situation - PLEASE don't contact me.

: P

-- Modified on 8/3/2008 8:22:43 PM

I had a recent situation where I belive Paypal tracking caused a purchase on Ebay to be cancelled.  I know this sounds strange, and I don't really want to post details, but this had absolutely nothing to do with the hobby.

That said... a year ago I would never have sent a deposit.

Earlier this year, I sent one, cash, via mail.  The date was a huge success.  I still think about it.

That said... I would not sent an amount that I would get hugely bummed about if she dissappeared... especially since so many are going DEEP UTR the days.

and the providers.  They don't bounce & leave no trail.  
skb

For the most part, those guys worried about standing at the podium with their pissed off spouse by their side are totally off base.

Where I have an issue with an audit trail is that IF something else goes wrong, it's going to be found when the sniffing begins.  I know that what I'm doing wouldn't be well received at home, so I sure don't want to give some attorney ammo if that ugly day ever rears it's ugly head.