I'm about to take the plunge.  There are a couple of established, well-reviewed provider agencies here in the DC area, one of which I'm considering for the first experience.  Both agencies are asking for basically the same kind of info and both seem willing to work with my no-reference status.  Here's my concern.  Once I supply this personal info, it's up to the agency to protect that info.  If the agency gets busted, how safe is my private info?  That is the thing that's probably causing me the most concern about disclosing my private information.

For these third party verification services, once your identity has been established, can you then use an alias through the verification service to identify yourself to providers and agencies?  Thanks.

and that is one reason I am wary of using them.

I don't know the answer to the last question you asked, but it would seem doubtful.

I think that giving out your personal info is probably a pretty nerve-racking event for the first-time hobbiest.  

That's one reason you will see all of the experienced guys telling the fist-timer to see a lady that has been well-reviewed by guys that have written a few reviews.  That does two things (1) significantly reduces the odds of picking out "flake" for your fist time; (2) gives you a reference that other providers will accept.  

Once you've given out your info and have seen a legit provider.  She obviously knows your real info, however, she doesn't give hoot-in-hell what your real name is.  Tell her you are going to be using the name "John Doe" for the hobby.  Then, that becomes your hobby name to use in the future.

As far as how safe your info is, that probably depends on the lady or agency and how good they are at encrypting it or destroying it.  Again, if a provider has been around for a while and she has a lot of good reviews, there's probably a reason for that.  She probably also takes care to make sure that your personal info stays that way.

As far as verification sites, I don't think you can change to an alias, but I could be wrong.

Bottom line is that you are probably going to have to give out your real info at least one time.  Better to give it out to a good legit provider one time than to have to give it out 10 times to ohter providers.

As a follow up to mrfisher's post Google "desert divas client list" This is an example of an agency nightmare for clients. You can draw your own conclusions, and I am absolutley not saying all agencies are like this one. Good luck.

Because it's where the money is kept.

 Same could be said for why LE would be more inclined to subpoena or seize "agency" records.

 A savvy, well reviewed, independent provider is much less likely to be targeted and/or used for information than a large, commercial, advertised, storehouse of similar information.

 I discovered once I had reviews posted of a couple of popular local perennials most subsequent screenings consisted of "When would you like to schedule a session?".

...that I'm concerned about.  I'm looking to maximize safety and anonymity.

I think this is the safest and most sensible approach.  I'll reconsider the agency providers once I've established an alternate identity and reference through a solid, independent, TER-reviewed provider.  I'll just need to find that lady in the DC area willing to independently verify a newbie.  Thanks for slowing me down long enough to think about this a little more clearly.  Very good recommendation.