read several pages here on the Newbie Board and you will find this question and many others answered every week or so.  There is also a search feature where you can search by topic.

should use well reviewed providers.  A well reviewed provider has a number, say 6-10 reviews minimum, at least some by vetran reviewers who have multiple reviews themselves.  Being a newbie I'd suggest you look towards the higher number.  
Read the self-help section & then read back on this board until you can answer every question without peeking.  I'm not being difficult here but you need to see each circumstance through the filter of your situation.  
Once you know the ground rules, you need VIP to read the details of reviews.  Read all the information available, read her ads, look at her web site.  VIP costs far less than even one spoiled date (scams are more likely than LE) but LE also.
Generate a short list of prospects...  go from there.  Right of the bat, promise yourself you'll not do anything stupid.  Do the research to learn how to be careful.  There is no way for this to be risk free...  but we sure can minimimize them.
skb

one time a escort asked me to show her my private part right when i got to hotel, i asked her why? and she replied that LAW enforcement are not supposed to show private parts. I sometimes asks providers to either answer in lingerie or as soon as she gets there to show me her boobs before i pull money out. maybe that will help for you too.