Driven, You clearly state you "couldn't find a review", if you've been reading the newbie board for any length of time than you know, if a provider has NO reviews, than you move on. However, I'm a little confused because in the second paragraph you mention an alias with a review.  On the reviewed alias, did you check to see how many reviews the reviewer had?  Either way, in the future, stick with a provider with numerous reviews, and check to see the reviewers have written reviews. You can also google the phone # to see whats what.

We all do it. I've never fallen for this particular thing though.

I've noticed that, while searching through the BP and CL ads, you can search for the phone number you're thinking of calling. Very often I'll find that the number comes up for more than one provider, and the pictures have a rather professional quality to them. This makes me suspicious. Could be an agency; could be LE.

BP ads sometimes show "other ads by this user," which probably means they were sent from the same IP. This can be very revealing. In some cases you may find ads for two or more providers--different names, different pictures, different phone numbers. These are probably just a couple of indies using the same laptop. No red flags. But sometimes you find ads purportedly for two providers, but the pictures are the same, or the phone numbers are the same. I've never known independents to share the same phone, and the pictures with multiple names are definitely fishy. At best we're dealing with an agency, at worst, LE.

I'd love to post some links to give you some examples, but it probably wouldn't be allowed, and someone might think it was some kind of endorsement, but there are a couple of great examples in the Philadelphia BP classifieds today. Try looking through your local BP classifieds and see if you spot any of these patterns.

For a Newbie, the lesson should be clear.  Don't let the little head make the decission.  If the girl doesn't have any reviews (minimum 4-5 from established reviewers), then PASS.  There are plenty of hot ladies out there.

OK, Newbie!  It wasn't that long ago I was too.  I have learned so much since joining TER.  Like so many, not knowing about TER, I tried it on my own...  I had a couple of ok experiences (still see one lady) before I got burned, googled TER & began my education.
You need to learn to use the search feature.  Search by stage name, then search by just phone number.  
As a newbie, or anyone who wants to minimize risk of a poor date...  stick with well reviewed providers.  Check for a web site.  Check for multiple photos from different angles (IMO, less likely to be internet stolen).
Read the VIP to be sure you get a good match.  Just because a lady is TER reviewed, does not mean GOOD reviews.  (I laughed at some adds which said "TER Reviewed" & even linked to them.  Some were good reviews of quality providers, but others were "I Should Have Stayed Home"...  my thought is the ISHSH girls figure dumm guys are to cheap to join & check the reviews.  
VIP costs far less than one spoiled date or wasted opportunity.
skb

Re: I'm so kicking myself, I thought I did my homework!

Yo driven416,
Same thing happen to me last week.  In Vegas, fell for the pic and the voice.  She came to the room, very demanding, caught me off guard got her fee and left me very disappointed as she walk out in less that 15 min.  I'm hoping TER will help me avoid that in the future. Wishing you better luck in the future.
Fellow Newbie
blue7345