i was recently ripped off by a CL girl. I guess i shouldn't have strayed so far from the pack. but how often does this happen? girl(s) show up with friend or something and takes the money. then says she doesn't offer prostitution. fuck me. why are there so many ads on CL (they cost like $5 to post now). i've learnt my lesson but i'm still curious. has this happen to anybody else?

Hopefully you did learn your lesson.  You only have 2 reviews, so you apparently were not diligent enough in your research of the provider that ripped you off.

It does happen but usually to guys that were thinking with the wrong head, as you probably were.  Personally, it has not happened to me.  We don't really know how often it happens, because the guys it happens to do not always fess up as you did.

Move on and better luck next time.

Swim

Hopefully you did learn your lesson.  You only have 2 reviews, so you apparently were not diligent enough in your research of the provider that ripped you off.

It does happen but usually to guys that were thinking with the wrong head, as you probably were.  Personally, it has not happened to me.  We don't really know how often it happens, because the guys it happens to do not always fess up as you did.

Move on and better luck next time.

Swim

i've been hobbying for a few years now. i've met with other girls this way before, but i just never had this sort of problem before. it's just painful to shake off this ripoff so i wanted to let everybody know. there are ladies out there that aren't on TER and were some of my best experience, but they asked not to be written on.

Some markets are worse than others.  I have avoided Craiglist, but have had same experience with other boards.  There is one market that has proven to be horrible for this, and I simply will not hobby there anymore unless a well regarded lady and I can know I am traveling with enough notice to schedule in.

It is a two edge sword.  Sometimes a new provider comes on the network and intrigues you.  How do you scan to see if reliable.

Avoid photos that are "canned".
When you use TER, do several checks, once on name, once on email/web page, and I like phone searches.  Believe it or not, I have avoided rip off chains several times with the phone check.

I also have learned that you have a higher percentage when they have a one off site instead of only a general board.  But this is no sure thing.  The key here is try to engage in some PM interactions.  

Here is a hint,  any direct talk of money for activity, any phone upselling, any time they show up with a friend unannounced, END the session.  If she shows up for a outcall, you do owe her a minor gift for the travel time (say 50 to 75).

Cost of the session is NOT a guide to whether she is a higher quality provider.  Yes the highest value ladies, tend to demand premiums in there markets, but excellent providers can charge market appropriate rates and deliver excellent sessions.  

The end of the day, become a VIP on TER.  TER is your best friend,  No guarrantee that you will not have a bad experience because every session is YMMV.  

And you very well may encounter an excellent provider that you just do not connect with,  Be polite, deal with it, exit gracefully.  However in this situation, it is NOT okay to give her a bad review, sometimes you just do not connect.  It is okay to say that but be fair.

Last thought,  every time you see an unreviewed or under reviewed provider, you take a risk.  that is why we call it "Taking One For THe Team"  Deal with it.

reviews. I've had this very same thing happen to me. It was my very first attempt at seeing a provider, and that was back in the days before CL, Eros, or TER.

Stick to girls with a decent number of positive reviews and you shouln't have a problem.

Seems like you need to spend more time here on the Newbie Board.  How often is the advice to stay away from CL?  See only well reviewed providers?  

Get VIP and read the details in the reviews.  If most reviews say CBJ and you want BBBJ, then move on.  Etc.

I have already replied to your post above.  Guys who've been scammed learn why TER exists.  Yes, many others have gone before.  I find it's easier to shop TER FIRST, because it takes so much time to find an ad then cross check here.  
skb

I have been testing Backpage, it is simiilar to Craigslist. I reviewed a backpage provider. The way that I tell wehther a provider is legitimate is by seeing whether she is willing to wait for a date. The half good and mind blowingly good providers will be ok with you contacting them about an appointment that takes place on another day. The answer that I consistently get from the fast money crowd is "call me when you're ready", before they hang up.

CL is barely one step above pulling a girl off of a street corner.  I don't go there and would never encourage anyone else to.  You are asking to get burned or arrested.  If the latest headlines about CL haven't urged you to exercise caution, then Darwin's Theory of Evolution will eventually get you.