but I've recently discovered hulu.com, and I've been catching up on some of the old Charlie's Angels episodes.  Great fun!

So here's my question...  What's to keep a provider from videotaping an encounter and then using threats of public and/or private disclosure of the video (to wives, girlfriends, family, etc.) to blackmail or otherwise hassle the client later?

I know the most obvious answer is because they'd very quickly lose their business, or that most of the clients aren't prominent enough for this kind of move to gain any sizable traction, but I find it hard to believe it's something that nobody has ever pulled, especially nowadays when the technology exists to blur the provider's face so that only the client would be clearly identifiable in the video.

And yes I know, I HAVE been watching too much Charlie's Angels!

-Steve

Well, for starters it is highly illegal and in most states would carry several felony charges. Next, if you actually followed thru to extort money, it would be fairly easy to get caught by LE. No doubt in my mind it has been done many times anyway....

And not only for blackmail, we could be recorded and our sessions sold to on-line porn sites LOL!

I just follow my instincts with my SPs, and try to choose them well. I can think of much worse things that could happen to us while hobbying, and it seems very unlikely, so I dont worry about it even though it is certainly in the realm of possibility.

Need to add: The reason it seems so unlikely is the amount of risk taken by any SP for many dangers. I think it would be detrimental, to say the least, for them to compound the risk in such a way.

-- Modified on 3/28/2008 5:20:01 PM

-- Modified on 3/28/2008 5:27:09 PM

Steve,
The only question that's dumb, is one not asked!  
I really doubt the any serious blackmail is lkely.  I don't think blurring of faces would keep her safe, techniques for blurring can be reversed with enough effort, besides there has to be a contact to exchange the blackmail money which exposes them to direct tracing.
The most obivious of this is that the lady would need to plan the shake down in advance, to know you were high profile, had enough wealth to pull it off.  Kinda makes you not want to blab too much.
Oh, yeah, such a shake down would be the end of her in this business.
There are lots of rip off artists & scams, upsellers, non-providers, etc who make a living by not fulfilling the deal...  and at low risk.  Once she's out the door, the money's hers & you're not in any position to blow the whistle on her.  
Once again, your best protection is to deal with well reviewed providers, who are professionals...  they're not going to risk their profession & major jail time.
S

You make it sound as if all providers have nefarious plans for each gent we see. Yes, you have been watching too much Charlie's angels.

... they are sex starved maniacs, and used it for porno between dates.

I'm sorry. I know this is the newbie board, but I couldn't resist. Ok, serious reply:

First, they would have to pick their target carefully. Unlike escorting where LE has to find them and build a case, with blackmail, the guy would be willing to turn you in. So, she has to wait for a date with someone who had $ and really cared that it didn't get out. Choose wrong, and she is spending years looking at life through metal bars. Choose really wrong, and she ends up in the river with her new cement shoes.

-- Modified on 3/28/2008 8:50:01 AM

It is wise to think of all possibilities & be prepared to pre-empt them.

I recently had a session with a well-reviewed lady (agency girl) & she had her laptop open with a CD playing on it.

It was only AFTER the session, upon reflection, that I realised that she could have had a webcam open (the laptop was positioned perfectly) & the entire session could have been on a voyeur site or a porn site.

I may never know the answer to that ... maybe it's just paranoia ... but I will definitely be more aware of my surroundings in the future.

Next open laptop will be politely closed or turned around.

The more good reviews has, the more likely she is not problem re. your concern.  Ladies know that they need to keep a good reputation to keep the business coming.

If you see a lady with no or only a few reviews, you may be taking your chances.

I mean...most providers who are legit with very good references are here to spend time with you, not blackmail you. Their business would be over in a heartbeat once word got out on what she tried to do.
I would say don't be so paranoid, but if you don't do the homework chances of you meeting up with someone who would do that are very good then.

xoxo
Diana