I've never been very active with my ter membership so I don't know the navagation systems here too well. Is there an area I can use for screening a gent who says he's a member here?

See PM I sent you.  eom

Under the Reviews tab, go to search.  You can search for someone's white list or his reviews.  When someone contacts you, just ask them for their TER handle and / or member number.
OB