I admit it...I'm a total newbie to the scene.  And while I would imagine it's mostly providers who should be concerned about getting busted, I can't help but be nervous that the first time I call or email to book an appointment, I'll be directly connected with the cops.

What precautions can I take and how risky is any given visit?  Any suggestions or advice is appreciated -- thanks!

a well reviewed provider has very good chance of NOT being LE.

By well reviewed, I mean having a good number of reviews by
experienced hobbyists.  Someone with five reviews by reviewers
who have only written one review would not qualify as well
reviewed.

good luck

I really really want to take the plunge and try this too.

I am a conservative business man, so I wouldn't want to run into any snags.

IF you never talk about sex, I am guessing that they have no case?

You can limit your exposure by sticking with well reviewed ladies and you may want to start in another town. Stay away from the AMPs and MPs cause LE gets more bang for the buck. Rarely do you hear of a high class indy being busted. As always, if you can't do the time don't do the crime. my.02

What is an AMP and MP?

Why do high class ladies not get busted?  Is is get because the cops/local politicians don't want their local business leaders getting into trouble?

I have picked out a woman who markets herself to upscale clients....she has a ton of reviews too...am I safe?

Also never say anything about having intercourse with the providers. Not only would you scare them, but you might expose yourself to LEs.

Read their profiles and know what's on the menu before you go see them. Then just go with the natural flow of things as if you're going on a date and get lucky!! Don't assume you're getting anything and everything on the menu. If a provider gets consistently good reviews, you're most likely going to have a good time. It's more fun and exciting that way.The key is treat the ladies with respect and make them comfortable in your presence. Ask if they drink any wines; if they do, bring a bottle and enjoy with them. Treat them with respect and they'll reciprocate.

What is "AMP and MP"?

AMPs and known massage establishments are very high profile and prone to being harassed by LE.  Most of the time they just want to bust the women.  They can't really charge you with prostitution if they don't catch you in the act itself.  They can harass you for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  In the newspaper article they may list all who were present at the scene to embarass you.  The street scene is a bit different and I'm not sure how that works as I have never taken part in it.

the suggestions that LVP gave concerning where to visit. The more reviews that a lady has by hobbyists that have written several reviews, the less liky it is that you will encounter problems if you are discreet and do not bring attention to yourself. One thing that I do is first check the number of reviews that a lady has, I next check the number of reviews that each person reviewing her has (you can do this by clicking on their usernames), finally I check some of the reviews for other providers that have been reviewed by the gentlemen. The theory is, as Frankie pointed out, if LE is using reviews as a sting, they more than likely will not have the time or patience to setup a big network of reviews, it is not time effective for them. The point that LVP made about visiting AMPs, massage parlors and other fixed incalls (even ones by indies) is a good one. Such locations are natural targets for busts, you do not want to be in one when a bust is going down. The locations are also good targets for surveilance, there was a case of a bust of a fixed location incall near San Francisco where the cops were able to videotape hundreds of guys coming to and leaving the place, my guess is this is the last thing that you want. Even if AMPs and massage parlors move around, the number of ladies that they have working and the amount of single male traffic draws attention to them and will ultimately make them a target. Expect to pay for added security, good agencies and Independents are, by and large, not cheap, but they do provide you some good security against arrest and damage to your life. Do your homework and everything should work out fine for you.

that is out to bust you. Now, if you are in a situation with a cop that does creative things with her handcuffs on the side, then that is a different story, but I simply would not take the chance if I was you.

Is it more/less risky to have an independent come to your house?

You need to look for a woman that is discreet. You do not need to have things happens like a noisy crowd show up or have a strange driver parked outside your home. Most high quality providers offer incall at moving locations and will not do an outcall for a new client. My suggestion for you is that you use reviews to identify a high quality provider near you that do incall and give her a call. Do not ask her location, but do ask whether she moves her incall location around, stay away from ones that have a fixed locations like a home, apartment or condo, ultimately the traffic is going to draw some unwanted attention. Expect to undergo rigorous screening from the best and most careful ladies, they do not want to end up in a room with a cop or a weirdo. If you have never used an escort before you may have problems providing the screening information, but most ladies have several methods of screening that they can use to give them assurance about you, but allow you to get set up an appointment. Be careful and do not let your penis do the thinking, always use your brain, if you do that, you will not have problems.

....that's when you break the law.
Like Samantha says on Sex and the City: "Money is power, sex is power....it's just an exchange of power!" {giggles}

But, seriously, here in Texas, exchanging sex for money is against the law. It is my time that you pay for and I stay within the boundries of that law.
It's all in the way that you word/say it.

Shortee

AMP = Asian Massage Parlor
MP = Massage Parlor

If you are concerned with risk, you are probably better off getting your own hotel room in town, somewhere discrete.  That way she doesn't know where you live and you don't have to go to her place.  Once you are comforable with her, you can have her come to your place.  

And see a girl with lots of good reviews for several months, buy a TER membership, at least for a month, to read what you are getting...Don't try someone new or with few reviews, leave that for the "experts".  

Then relax and enjoy...