So what can you experienced providers/members suggest to a guy who really wants to maintain his anonymity and doesn't want to give up a phone number -- I want to meet some of you interesting ladies but I'm really concerned about giving any info up until I'm comfortable

Eventually you will want a phone number to give out. A lot of ladies strictly us email but to confirm things it is done over the phone or via text.

Consider getting a prepaid phone just for the hobby. Many clients and ladies do this.

Also consider signing up for a gmail account and then sign up for GVoice. This will give you a phone number in the area you request and when that GVoice number is dialed it will forward the call to any number you set it up to dial. Very cool service but remember the calls are forwarded so if you are using a cell, charges may apply depending on the carrier.

I don't know of anyone who will make an appt without a #. Not just a safety issue, it's a matter of someone booking all their time and not showing up

As suggested above, best thing for you to do is get a separate prepaid phone for hobbying. I just hopped over to Wally World and picked one up for 20 bucks which you can pay for with cash and then register on the internet with an assumed name and made-up address if you're really playing it safe.

Of course, if you spend time on these boards you'll learn a lot of providers want some sort of screening info from a newbie. If you don't feel like giving any personal info to a provider then you should look into a verification site like Date-check or Preferred 411. They need your personal info to verify you but after they do so they don't keep it recorded according to their policies. None of it is given to the provider when they use your site ID to verify you.

There is a certain level of trust involve in hobbying. You will need to get used to extending
this trust to well reviewed ter escorts.

There are different issues.  Some ladies use reverse phone directory to verify you.  See if the real name you give crosses to the land line you give.  They do not call.  We are asking the lady to put themselves in a very vulnerable position...  they need to know enough to feel safe.  After the appointment, they distroy the information.

I use a TracFone...  bought with cash.  Buy refills anywhere with cash.  Do not have to enter a real name, use default address...  I am very happy.  The added benifit is it keeps my regular cell clean of tracks that could someday come back to haunt me.  

By all means, use a free e-mail, not linked to your regular e-mail.  Different password.  Keep it private.  

Have you read the Newbie Manual (link at the top of this board)?  You should.  You should read back several pages on this board & at least scan the others.  Also be aware of the regional boards (drop down menu to your left).  

As a Newbie, it is recommended you get VIP & choose a well reviewed provider.  You may balk at the cost but let me assure you that one month's fee is far less than the cost of one spoiled date or wasted opportunity.
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Get yourself a prepaid cell phone and create a hobby email address.  Unless you are content to only pick up street walkers you are going to have to be willing to give women information.  How much will depend on who you want to see but be aware that the higher up the provider food chain you go the more information they will generally want.

My recommendation:

1) Get a hobby-specific email from Google Mail.
2) Hook it up with Google Voice.

Google Voice will give you a unique phone number that you can forward to your existing cell / work / home phone (any or all or none) with voice mail, caller id, call screening, and a ton of other features.