I recently tried to set an appointment with a provider in my area who has rave reviews.  I saw her website and she is just my type too.  Everything seemed perfect.  However, after she and I spoke briefly, she asked me to set the appointment with her assistant.  During the interview, the assistant asked for my last name, which would need to be verified with ID upon meeting.  

Is it common to be asked for your last name?  And, even though I don't think she works with LE, isn't it dangerous to be giving your real last name in this day and age?

Any thoughts would be helpful . . .

your personal comfort level. Don't give out any information that your not comfortable with. This will, of course, limit your options, as some ladies will not stray from their own means of screening. Again, it all comes down to their own personal comfort level. There are also some reputable verification sites, where you WILL have to give out that information, but you only give it out once, rather than to every provider that you see.

We all make our own choices. Make the ones that you are comfortable with.

You have to understand the dilemma of the provider in not only wanting to avoid contact with LE, but also for her personal safety.

Keep in mind that you are better off in terms of safety seeing a provider who cares to ask for this information than a gal who doesn't care about it.  The latter could already be targeted by LE.

Once you are able to have some creditable provider references, the screening requirements will become easier.

I had 35 reviews on TER a while ago, 3 whitelist referrals (keep in mind the provider is listed on TER also so she could see my whitelist) and gave her my datecheck ID which had 11 references from providers giving me recommendations from I would recommend to several HIGHLY recommend him and the provider asked me for my last name, told her if that was not enough info to satisfy her, than I will look elsewhere.

The provider wants to you know my first and last name but she wont even provide her first real name?

Sorry many options out there to see. If you are a noobie, than the provider has a RIGHT to ask that but if you are established, with great references, than look elsewhere. That's my view on things

This is my perspective on the matter.  Even if a provider has my last name, there is not much she can do with it.  It is no different than me handing someone my business card.  If I go to a business networking function and give out my business card, I cannot be expected to know I gave it to a provider. Moreover, in this age of social networking on the internet, many under the radar providers may already have your last name.  Remember, the provider also needs to keep her privacy.  I think the rule is do not give out any information that you would not be comfortable giving out to a strange woman at a social event.  
I have learned that to have good experiences, you have to make the provider comfortable.  In fact, once the provider is comfortable she may actually want to see your often and even refer you to other women when she is not available.  

On the other hand, there is always the element of risk in this game.  If the risk is too high for you then you should just get one independent and highly reviewed provider and just have periodic dates with that one provider until you have better information on who is out there.  

Remember also that she has the right to ask, but you also have the right to refuse.  Move on to a girl whose screening policies are more comfortable for you to adhere to.

Although making the provider comfortable is crucial, that is not reason alone to part with your info as long as the lady is in business.  In my opinion, any info that is asked for is kept.  And if something unfortunate happens to the provider, your name may be turned over to LE.  This is not so much of a problem from a legal perspective, given the relatively light punishment for this type of activity for first time offenders and a short statute of limitations.  But you do have a media issue that could publicly expose your hobbying if LE decides to release a confiscated black book to media outlets.  That risk has no expiry date and can be very damaging if it comes to pass.

The only answer is to not reveal more info than you are comfortable giving.