It was suggested I move this post here:
As my alias states, I am very curious about this hobby. I have been reading this site for days, trying to learn so as to avoid making mistakes, when I decide to give it a try.
The question that still remains is how do you spot the potential fakes and/or avoid the LE traps? Is it the sites they use? The pics? The ad content?
I have been cross referencing the reviews, but some like the below link are new and have no reviews:
[link removed by moderator - ISO posts belong on the ISO board.]

All advice is appreciated from those in the know. Thank you.

-- Modified on 8/27/2006 8:48:32 AM

There is no single hard rule for spotting fake advertising (bait & switch) on a "mall". The way to find if they have credibility is to see if they have TER reviews, and better yet; many of them. LE isn't known for posting bait on the large malls for it is costly, slow & problematic.
Craigslist however is known for use by LE for their orchestrating stings because it is free to advertise there and the ad goes up in “real time”.

Let your big head always do your thinking; at least until you're naked and in bed with the woman.

You want to purchase a VIP membership on TER so you can read the details of encounters.  The profile page is established by the 1st reviewer and takes an act of God to get it changed.  That said, if the lady has multiple reviews (3, 4, 5 or whatever you are comfortable with) and these reviewers have multiple reviews, then your risk goes down.  One or two reviews by hobbyists with one review each is not a good sign.  As has already been said, let the big head do the thinking, not the little head.  Happy hobbying.

Quite helpful so far, look at the reviews AND the reviewers themselves.
What are the dangers? Obviously I would think it be quite common to get ripped off by a misleading provider, but are there many instances of getting physically harmed? Robbery? What would be the warning signs?

I found this link after doing some research myself when I first decided to learn about the hobby.  There is a lot of good info here, especially on how to avoid getting in trouble, finding good providers, and how things work in general.  Helped me a lot!  Good luck!

The first two replies to your question seem right on and sure worked for me.
I'm not yet a VIP member; but many of the larger malls seem to have links to these ladies reviews. Even without access to the VIP information that I can only assume is great; the amount of the lady's reviews and their scores are there to make a fairly informed and safe decision from.  

Stay clear of CL.

LE Stings aren't as common as you might think but that has to do with the media trying to scare you so you keep looking over your shoulder.
Unless you're trolling on the streets, it's rare that LE will set up a Sting to catch guys.

Even getting ripped off is not a great percentage.
The odds are much greater you'd just walk way with a mediocre experience.

As was suggested, you look at the reviews with a VIP membership, you'll do much better.

As I've said, if you find a guy who can be your mentor, show you the ropes, you'll end up making less mistakes.
BUT finding a mentor will be an enourmous task since many guys on this site are real freaks about really sharing info with a guy they don't know.
You have to build up trust and gain confidence of the said guy.

RH

I only have been a hobbiest for 2 years but I know being a VIP member is very valuable , It's like a discription of whats in the plain wrapper grab bag you can't see into and the prize in side also cheap way to do your shopping on a provider to find your taste

Your worst case scenario may be experienced with some non-accountable Craigslist cutie; but why the hell would a gal with a bunch of good TER reviews risk her reputation, future business and a serious felony charge?

If you're this trepidacious in spite of all the available information here; perhaps a different avocation is advisable for you.
   

-- Modified on 8/28/2006 8:48:57 AM

First use a TER membership to research the ladies available in your area that fit the description of what you feel is attractive. Next be sure she has an established reputation. You can also PM (*private message*) hobbyists who have reviewed her. TER has a private message system that is included when you have a membership. You can also post inquiries on the specific local board that the provider is from (*example would be an LA provider can have inquires posted on the LA discussion board, etc etc*)

While nothing is fool proof, researching the provider you have intent to meet with will give you a sense of comfort and some confidence (* it will also make the encounter more enjoyable*) Make sure you pay attention to the hobbyists who have reviewed her as well…. If they are all newbies (* or this is tehir only review*) this might not be a good sign.

The good news is once you have seen one provider, many times she will refer you to other providers that might also have the qualities that you are attracted to. Most established providers have no problem suggesting other providers for you to visit with.

Lastly, another good sign of an established provider’s dependability is to watch her participation on regional discussion boards….. first, it is next to impossible to post if she has been incarcerated for any amount of time and secondly, hobbyists and providers alike will often comment when a gentleman asks about a certain provider and she has been busted recently. (*again a good reason to have TER mail*)

Happy Hobbying…..  know your provider, and her reputation        Kisses ….~Tori

Now I just hope I can get my foot in the door, with 0 references to start.

New hobbyists come into the fold every day, and they bring the same nonexistent reference history with them. This is where the hobbyist wanting/needing the accountability through a provider’s reviews meets the quid-pro-quo of the provider’s wanting/needing to screen. How you accept this fair exchange will directly influence your freshman efforts.