I greatly appreciate the replies. Additional verification or references were requested and I haven't heard back, as I expected. Better safe than in a body bag!
I've recently received an appointment request from a couple with an @aol.com email address sent to both my protonmail and gmail account. I thought it was a little odd that it was sent to both email accounts, but I brushed it off as perhaps they were trying to ensure I received the request. In the email they provided the name and email to a provider they've seen previous in NY. They are not residents to my area, they are here on a trip. The provider's email was also an @aol.com address, which I thought to be weird. I looked up her email address and it brought me to her TER profile, but there is only one review from 2013 and no website listed. I emailed her directly regarding this couple and she promptly responded verifying she has seen them multiple times and stated they are wonderful clients. I asked her for a link to her website or ads but was told that she no longer advertises and only works with references from good clients and only sees well off couples.
I know some providers choose to not advertise and keep a low volume of strictly regulars. That is a choice they are fully entitled to. I can't put my finger on it, but something doesn't quite feel right. I understand that in this industry everyone has a hobby email, but in the day of gmail/hotmail/yahoo the @aol.com addresses from both provider and client have sent up some red flags. I have never had a request come from such an email address before so perhaps I'm being overly cautious and reading into more than I should, but better safe than sorry. Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I happen to be one of those people. Yes, this does sound a bit fishy and even if it weren't for the weird coincidence about the AOL email addies, the fact is, if this is their "only" reference, a reference from someone who is not verifiable is no better than no reference at all.
If you have nothing else to work with and you value your safety, (which by making this post, you obviously do) I would listen to that little voice in your head and take a pass on them.
I greatly appreciate the replies. Additional verification or references were requested and I haven't heard back, as I expected. Better safe than in a body bag!
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