how can i tell if a provider is not LE? ive never done this before so i have no references to use for any of the well reviewed ladies.

i had one in mind that i found on CL but when i called she didnt ask for a name or any other information. is this a sure sign?

First, does the lady you found on CL have any reviews here?  If not, yellow flag.  She didn't ask for your name or other info for verification?  Red flag...while not necessarily LE, I would be very cautious about proceeding.  In the absence of any other information from here or elsewhere about her, I would advise you to avoid pursuing this.  LE (or other) risk is elevated.

Instead, do yourself a favor, forget CL for now, and get VIP.  Well worth the $20 if you are considering participating in the hobby for the first time.  Do your homework and narrow your selection to ladies that are well reviewed and seem hot to you, the more positive reviews the better.  You want some of those reviews to be by active board participants, as you can PM those members with questions.  Further, if the ladies you are considering are active participants here themselves, that's another green flag.  Do this, and your LE risk s/b minimal.  Good luck!

CL has many scams besides LE activity...  Too much risk for a Newbie.  The biggest risk is that you'll get a poor experience for your donation.  LE likes sloppy CL girls, it's easy to bust them because they don't screen properly.

First, you need to ready the FAQ at the top of the newbie board, then read back several pages, on that board & at least a few on the others.
Learn about secure e-mail, hobby phones, 2 call system.
Then get VIP.  Check your local "Regional Board" to the left.  Use the search feature on the review portion to check your area.  

You can check ad sites but search their screen name.  Then search their phone #.  Only see ladies with a good review history.  
skb

There is another girl right after that doesnt ask for references-

You either arent searching hard enough or just dont know how  --

Or go to
www.date-check.com
www.roomservice2000.com and get verified.

Stay away from CL.  Cover your ass by using ligit escort sites.
I recommend escorts.com or date-check.com.  The providers charge more than CL but the quality is usually better.

Wouldn't it be nice if one or more of the verification sites verified the ladies too.

I am newbie too. So far I have met with three providers, all from CL and incalls. For the first I didn't do any checking. I called her and discussed the rate and asked what services were provided. She gave me the rate, but would only say it would be a good time. After several calls, I arrived at the motel and got her rom number. The first thing she asked for was the donation. Then it turned out she was only willing to do a topless HJ (a total rip-off). The second was better, but not the person in the pic and total upsell. Finally, I started checking the numbers in google to find other postings and reviews. The third was the charm. The pic matched, no upsell, non-rushed and a very good experience. None of these providers asked for personal information and the last two just asked if I was LE on the last phone call.