I'm a pseudo-newbie, but have been thinking about something. If you do your research and choose a provider that is very well reviewed (not just 5 or 10 but upwards of 25 or 30 reviews), I don't see how you can wrong in terms of getting in legal trouble.

Can someone help me out? If a provider has a bunch of reviews, there is always the chance, of course, that you will be ripped off or that she will have an attitude with youm but generally you're not going to find yourself busted.

People always indicate that nothing is ever completely safe, but how could you possibly get in trouble with LE if you pick someone that is obviously legit? I can't think of how. (I guess I've always been somewhat paranoid that LE sets up fake profiles and then posts a bunch of fake reviews to trap people, but then they would also need a decoy, etc., which seems like way too much work).

Anyone care to chime in? Thans.

Slim chance but still possible.

I agree.  Not much you can do then.  But if you're a regular on your local boards there might be some chatter over the bust you could pick up, assuming you know the "right" board.

If she's a high volume lady, even with a lot of good reviews, if she was  working out of a motel, with room doors facing the exterior, you might just be at the wrong place at the wrong time, LE could be in the parking lot observing the motel.   There is no 100% sure thing in the hobby.

for reducing the odds of trouble of any kind.  
If you have been "lurking" for a while have you read the self help section and read back on this board until you can answer the questions?   This knowledge of how this game is played will be a great.  I highly recommend a hobby phone & secure private email.   Right from the start, learn to minimize tracks you leave.  
This hobby can never be "risk free"...   you could just be at the wrong place at the wrong time.  I strongly suggest you read back on the Legal Board & find the links on what to say or not say if you are questioned by Police.  Most areas do not have a full time vice section...  they have a crack down & move on to investigations that need their time.  The window of opportunity for a bust / flipping a provider is small.  One thing which I do, is if I meet a lady at a hotel, I park at one of the key card access wing doors (typically near stair wells).  I enter through the lobby entrance but exit down the stairs & directly to my car.  I keep track of which wing I am parked at & it I need to switch wings, I do so on an upper floor, not the ground floor.  This will mess up someone trying to "time" a hotel patrons guests.    
A very well reviewed provider probably has spent a lot of time planning her security & try not to mess it up.  Especially, when reviewing if you choose to review, do not be too specific about the city, town, location, hotel or appt you meet at.   Remember these are public forums & LE can read them too.  
skb

I figure that if there are at least a couple of very recent reviews by active hobbyists with lots of reviews, the odds are even better, because it is highly unlikely all the guys and ladies that web touches have been flipped at the same time. Not saying it cannot happen, but it is unlikely and at some point the effort exceeds the value.

Having said that, I think the odds of getting caught by a flipped provider with lots of reviews are already very, very low. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time is much more likely, and getting into a car accident on the way is probably even more likely, to add a little perspective. So drive safely and do not get distracted by lewd fantasies until you are in the room. Then the little head can take over.

zig

There isn't any single litmus test that will ensure your safety. Sticking with well-reviewed providers is probably the closest thing to it, but you always need to keep your wits about you and be on the lookout for signs of danger.

The local provider I see with the most pages of good reviews is also on the risky side, because she screens lightly if at all and often stays at budget hotels used by other escorts. However, I can be pretty confident from the way she deals with me on the phone that she hasn't been flipped by LE. Others may not want to risk it.

On the other hand, I'll stay far away from a few of the best reviewed providers in this region because of public feuds they've had, threatening to expose clients or actually outing other providers. Info I wouldn't have known about just from their reviews.