I can see a provider asking for a deposit for the first time visitor, however these Gift Cards and Zelle transfer seem to be off base. Maybe it's just me being old school. Old School meaning cash is king
Next up is the ever popular habit of using someone else's photo, where a quick google photo search turns up the persons social media page. Seems to a trend amongst several pages which can lead to a scammer taking control with the hobbyist losing out on $$$ simple due to the smaller head thinking more than the bigger head.
Reviews of San Diego and the providers in which living the general area seem to be going the way of the Kgirls nothing wrong with that, just saying.
Risks are on both sides of the hobby, A few bad apples can truly spoil the hobby for those trying to get in and understand it fully, without it costing a arm and leg as a learning curve (being Scammed)
The discussion board in general and local like San Diego, will barely cover the fine art of this hobby in which one can truly learn, enjoy and grow. It would seem that there should be a forum, where as those providers that are truly veterans can post lessons to ease the pain and suffering when one becomes taken advantage of simple due to a fantasy which we all know can become very powerful at times.
I would like to hear and get a better understanding of all this and more, maybe it will help those that are coming into the hobby relax and learn more, maybe I'm way off base.
Whatever it be, be safe and enjoy out there..
Thanks for reading and Thanks to those that respond