A "friend" (I swear it wasnt me, and I will never say who) had the misfortune of being beaten and robbed recently. I know this subject comes up sometimes, and I was wondering:

A. Does Screening/Verification deter this type of crime?

1. She works out of an apartment alone.
2. She does same day appointments and NO Screening/Verification at all.
3. The girls here ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to do references. (They think it takes business away from them).

B. What can she do legally?

1. Unfortunately she does not have his name or know what kind of car he is driving.
2. He used a GUN and pistol whipped her.
3. He stole over $850

They did not even get into the session. He simply walked in the door and pulled out the gun and began beating her.

My opinion is that this was a HOME INVASION pure and simple.

Opinions?

Sable

I'm saddened by your post and hope that your friend is doing well. Screening does weed out the assholes from the gentlemen. These type of freaks are stopped in their tracks when they are asked to give up personal information. This also happened to a friend of mine some time ago; which is what led me to screen, screen, screen. If things don't match up or he is unwilling to provide the info I request then too bad he won't see me. Screening is done to protect ourselves. So please tell your friend, if she is going to continue seeing clients, to screen all and to screen everyone in the same manner, no matter how nice he may seem over the phone or in an email. Jerks come in all shapes sizes and colors.

Yes the $$$$$ is good. But our lives are priceless. No provider should get blinded by $$ signs.

Please be Safe...

xoxo
Raquel West

Sable: I don't know what recourse your friend can take, but I hope you also post this question in the legal discussion board.

-Hoot.

Prescreening and verification should help to at least reduce this type of crime.  If a psycho knows that he must give the name of a provider he has seen and it is checked, along with his employer, then he can be found if he commits the crime.  Thus, the crime will probably not be committed.

Further, I have no problem giving out the name of a provider to be used a reference.  It's very professional and makes me think highly of her for being careful.

any guy who uses a firearm to intimidate and injure a woman isn't going to do this just once and then go back to watching cable boxing. he's going to do it again, because he likes it, and it pays.

your friend has to report this to the police, because this guy will do the same thing again, and maybe next time the beating will be worse, or the gun will go off.

essential to get the physical description and a detailed outline of the m.o., including anything like an accent or unusual use of words (including profanity) that might identify the guy. your friend has his number in her records or it's in the telephone company records: probably a stolen cell or payphone, but worth checking.

tell your friend to call the assault detective as an anonymous tipster and provide as much information as she can immediately. let the police handle it from there. she can be more forthcoming later, if the police show good faith efforts to find this guy rather than hassle his victims.

YES!  Initially when I started I was similiar to your friend--thought I would lose business with all those questions--didn't want anyone to have to unblock their phone line to call, and the stupidity goes on.  I no longer provide a phone
number.  I set myself up with a website which gives all the info a person needs to make a decision ( so I don't waste time on the phone) and require an appt request form.  I also ask for age and ethnicity so I can't have a bait and switch occur either.  Also your call won't come through unless you unblock your phone number.  When I did this yes I did experience a lessor income initially----sooo---I just adjusted my lifestyle---what good is making money at the risk of being dead.  The website with tons of space costs me $16 a month.  Keeps me from being drawn into conversations on the phone that might be being recorded on the other end.  Screening to me is paramount to my safety--it can't guarantee that nothing terrible will ever happen but it sure cuts the chances way down and deters the LE too!  Ladies screen it will make a difference.  I not only found more piece of mind but a elite bunch of gents too.   My income also after about 4-6 mos was back to where it use to be.  It takes about 2 seconds to be dead ladies and if your working alone you should definitely screen.  I wish your friend a speedy recovery.

I have seen a certified serial killer that escalated severely after he saw me. he is serving a 45 year sentence w/o the possibility of parole now for turning two ladies into brain dead vegetables.they contacted me in hopes that they could get him tried in another state for crimes there and get the death penalty.... I know this because I worked for a no good service that sent me on blind calls and never hired anyone who had been in the business before. I had no idea how to rotect myself an dI was very naive about everything. she preyed on me and he would have too if I had not conducted myself in a way that appealed to him and his consience...I don't know what it was but something about me gave me a pass in his book. she nearly got me killed a few times that I knew about but this time i did not find out about it until over one year later when he was arrested in new england for shooting two ladies in the head. the fed officer assigned to the case contacted the number on the card they found in his wallet since I was still alive they insisted on speaking with me. He had saved my card with my name written on the back and I was the only card like it in his wallet. I remebered him clearly. if I had done what he had requested i would be dead or at least s total vegetable like some of his victims. I didn't do it because I was embarrassed as it was a rather graphic display but if he had met me 6 months later It wouldn't have bothered me at all. one of the things the FBI guy said to me after I spoke with him was that he had never seen this scenario played out with people who asked questions. Predators select their prey carefully and pass on any place that requires real info. many of them do the research before hand and I am sure your friend was targeted because she took no precautions. IT IS THE #1 REASON WHY I NO LONGER WORK FOR AGENCIES AS I WILL NEVER TRUST MY LIFE TO THEM AGAIN.It was a good thing that he only wanted her money and not her life...since I went independent and started a strict standard for screening I have had no problems at all and it has been over 21/2 years. Not screening a client first is the same as walking the street when it comes to potential harm done to you.

Obviously some sort of screening is needed to protect the ladies from LE, criminals, etc.  Sometimes the type and quantity of information seems to be a source of conflict between customers and providers.  Based upon the thread below and other threads one hot button appears to be the Drivers License number.  I know that someone's DL# can be ran through various online databases to determine if that person has a criminal record such as for armed robbery.  Such a check might have helped in this instance.  I do not believe most providers ask for this information.  

If you don't require this information is it because you feel that the rest of your screening procedures take care of this issue or because customers object to providing this information?

I am not looking for any detailed information that compromises your screening procedures.  Just general thoughts.

I was verified with name, address, and credit card number by Room Service initially. Being retired, I have no work information. Knowing some ladies I've met, I'd not want to give that information out. I had one irate 'madam' threaten to tell my ex-wife (she wouldn't have believed it) and my college-age son (who was in the phone-book); hell, I said go ahead, I don't give a damn. I understand from my late son Andy's best buddy, Andy would'a said 'way to go pop', and 'can I see her dance' !!!! What a character.


My point being, it was easy to get verified and I don't recall giving my driver's license number. Could they have uncovered  unsavory things might they have been able to check?

Jesus... I am so sorry to hear about your friend. But, really, WTF is she thinking!!!! If you give everyone carte blanche, absolutely someone will abuse the priviledge. I want a gentleman walking in my door to know that I KNOW who he is. That he CANNOT get away with harming me because a) I will scream and fight like a demon from hell and I FULLY PLAN on waking an entire hotel if I must to draw attention (I have a LOUD scream), and b) I KNOW WHO HE IS.

OOOOOOMMMMMMMGGGGGGG!
I know of a lady in DC who was robbed at gunpoint twice by clients.  Once by a REGULAR she'd seen several times, even... but she didn't know his real name, there was nothing she could do.

I *definitely* feel that if they walk in the door knowing that you know who they are and where they work, they are not coming in thinking "I'll beat her up and steal her money, then rape her and get it all for free. There's nothing SHE can do."  

For the record that is not to say it cannot still happen. Yes, it could! But I do feel strongly that it reduces the odds.

Making money is NOT more important to me than my life. Nothing could make me blindly risk losing the life that I consider precious. As it is, we have a short time to enjoy this world and NO ONE is taking that away from me.

I think working from home is also opening yourself up to a whole bunch more risks. What exactly is to stop this guy from coming back after she gets back to work to see if he can't steal more money??? He knows where she lives. OMG the very thought terrifies me. No way.

Hugs*
Nicole

I'm sorry to hear what happened!  There are a few we deal with here in our state.  The ladies that screen know who these creeps are.

Another benefit of asking for references is you get to introduce yourself to others in the area.  When a man raped a girl, phones were ringing all over our state.  It's fun hearing how he's calling around now saying it was just a rumor to try to get a date.  

When I get a reference and follow through, I have yet to have a bad experience.  When I slack, my chances of having a bad date to getting physicically harmed goes way up.  

The system works.  

I agree Ladys & Guys should be careful in this biz. It would be great if there was a "standard screening process" for all potential clients. I'm in favor of some type CC verification process. It would be processes through secure server and the info would be available to LE in the event of a serious crime.

I think the problem clients have with giving out personal info. is with the credibilty of the provider. If its only home & work phone numbers big deal. What if the home # unlisted or in the wifes name. What if the client is retired no work number, or the nature of his work is such that it would be prudent to give out.
What if it is the clients first time,,,there are no references.

With the nature of this biz it appears providers come & go, relocate, work with agencys, independant, mp, etc. Even if a client did have references how easy would it be for another provider to verify. Then theres the issue with some providers being concern other providers are going to take there clients. Will a provider even remember a client she may have seen 4wks or 6wks ago maybe longer.

It's a jungle out there "BE CAREFUL".

Screening is a must.  I also worked with an agency in which screening was not done properly and ended up having a knife to my throat.  I was lucky to come out alive.  Screening seems to have nipped that danger in the bud, but I am always cautious, regardless.

Nothing is fool proof though, for since screening I have had one other bad incident, but it wasn't life threatening.  Lesson learned from the latter is to always have a contact person to call into and out too, even if it is a regular.  I was very good about that with new clients, but became to confident with regulars and did not call.  There are times they can have the Jekyll/Hyde syndrome also and if I had called, I wouldn't have suffered what I did.

I also am of the opinion that working out of your home is the biggest mistake also.  I have heard nightmare stories in that regard too.  Staulker type situations and heard of one incident of an obsessed client walking in with knife in hand as she was sitting down to dinner with her son and boyfriend.  

For one, if you have children, this aspect should be kept from them at all costs.  Home is sanctuary and a place where this never enters that sanctuary.  What happens if she retires and then still has callers knocking on her door.  What about the days she is not up for it and needs to pamper herself?  Some of us do have separate lives.

Another risk are the ever present neighbors and face it there is always that one snoop that tries to get into everyones business.  To many stories of neighbors figuring out what is going on and calling authorities.  

Bad idea all around.  I am glad your friend is okay.  It could have been worse, but at the same token, I do hope she learns from this.  Screens and gets the business to another location.

Lauren

deposit. deposit. deposit.

I know of two providers who before taking me as a new client wanted references from at least two providers with web site, phone number and email address on the web site. I had no problem to give that information.

First and foremost your friend was the victim of an armed robbery.  She should report the crime to the police.  This person may be robbing providers because they feel providers will most likely not report the crime to the police. What a person does for a living in one thing; armed robbery is another.  Make sure she dresses appropriately when she meets with the police.  She does not have to tell them exactly what she does for a living.  If she lives in a big city, the detectives who investigate robberies are not the same ones who handle vice.  I read a very interesting book written by a detective who investigates serial murders.  He pointed out in the beginning that most of the victims are street walking prostitutes.  These people rarely report crimes to the police.  However, since murder, robbery, rape, etc., are far more serious than a misdemeanor prostitution arrest, the detective said he keeps the information he receives from street walkers confidential. The most important aspect of an investigation is gaining the confidence of witnesses. Otherwise, the girls would not talk to the detectives. The detective and his partners have interviewed hundreds of prostitutes and have never passed the information on to the vice squad.  In his particular department, it was official policy to NOT report prostitutes and gay men witnesses to the vice squad.  After reading this very interesting book, I fully understand their policy.  This guy needs to locked up before he kills someone.  

As far as screening is concerned, if some refuses to cooperate, let him go.  He might be the robber.  Good Luck

I agree its always a good idea to report such a violent crime. But we do not know all the facts in this situation and why the provider choose not to report the crime. Plus it might be difficult to report the crime when the occupation that led to the robbery is also a crime. If the event is reported the information is no longer confidential. If it goes to court the providers occupation is going to become a issue along with personal contacts, clients, emails, etc.

If the provider is really prosperous it might be red flag for the IRS.

If she reports it the question will come up as to why he was there.  If she reports anything other than the truth she could be charged with filing a false police report.  This guy has probably done this before and the ladies are hesitant to call attention to themselves with LE.  Completely understandable.  That's why I believe that it is okay for the ladies to ask for any information they feel keeps them safe.  If a client is nervous about supplying that information then he needs to go see another provider.  This is one reason I feel fortunate to have found a provider who I am comfortable with, who is comfortable with me, and who has become a good friend.

my suggestion was that the lady call as an anonymous tipster and provide as much information in that context as she felt comfortable doing. then she can decide what to do next.

if she doesn't alert the police, this guy will do it again. he's a fucking nut job, the pistol whipping proves it.

ace in the hole pointed out that the police are much more interested in catching a serial killer than getting a misdemeanor on a prostitute. yes, they could hassle her. but she will pick that up in the first conversation with them -- when she speaks anonymously.

this "community" is looking less and less "caring" all the time. maybe it's only cries for attention, and not cries for help, that cause any interest around here.

simple concern for police harassment.  As Ace pointed out, there are ways to protect oneself while giving relevant info.  There are also non-profit groups that can provide free legal advice for anonymous tipping.  Violent behavior can escalate.  It is important to alert the police and stop him.

Up until now, every time I have seen a form that asked my ethnic background, I simply assumed it was another prejudiced providered who didn't see men of color. In my shortsightednes, all I could think was "what difference does it make...my money is green".

"I also ask for age and ethnicity so I can't have a bait and switch occur either."

This makes perfect sense...you want to make sure (as best you can) that they guy you screened is the one who showed up at your door. Not to mention it also provides a bit of a physical description, retain for future review by LE if necessary.

Why didn't one of you ladies explain this before?

You sound very, very wise....smart enough to realize that after that initial income drop, your procedures would eventually result in a different (read: high class) caliber of client...guys who are probably more generous and less of a hassle. it took guts to ride it out for those 4 to 6 months, and foresight. Escorting SEEMS to be such a "in need money right now, so I will do anything" business....I am glad to know that there are indeed "true pros" out there who see it as a business / endeavor that they take seriously.

Bravo for you!!

This is not about a business transaction, this is about a crime that was committed. In Los Angeles, this has happened before (a couple of times, with African-American perps, once with Israeli perps-the upshot was that many providers would not see either black or Middle Eastern men for quite some time). Most times, the victims were FBSM and not FS providers, where said propsoed deposit in impracticable as a matter of doing business.

All deposits do is kill potential transactions for providers. I won't do business with anyone which requires a deposit, at some point in time one needs to draw the line regarding trust and work from there. There is a lot of dysfunction both on the provider and client side, and I refuse to pay the tab for either.

of all the least safe circumstances a woman can put herself into it's working from her home!!  I've never been able to understand how providers can do this and have any peace of mind.  Not only are you risking a visit from L.E. due to nosey neighbors who think you might be selling drugs, you're risking a visit from someone you may have never met before!  Screening is a way to eliminate some of the stalkers, but what about the client you screened, met, and then he tells one of his close friends what a great time he had with so-and-so?!  Once a client knows where you live, you put yourself in danger from anyone he might give this information to!  So while screening is an important step in protecting yourself from would be robbers & rapists, the first step in protecting yourself from these types should be to find a place where you can conduct your business safely..

Absolutely she should. I was jumped on a call and called the police about him...even though I laid him flat out with my briefcase to his temple and strolled out of there unharmed. They couldn't have cared less what I was doing there. It wasn't possible to press charges as I wasn't hurt but they did take all of his info and searched his room because he had been smking crack and you could still smell it in the air. He was arrested on drug charges and had a warrant for a hit and run. they were very glad I called him and said that they wished all ladies in the biz that were assaulted would...it often leads them to more serious crimes or stops a creep from escalating to much more severe crimes. Another lady I worked with had been raped on a call. She reported it and they easily caught him...he is serving an 8 year sentence and the fact that she was an escort did not make a difference to the prosecution at all. Cops make points at work for catching felons... If you help them do that they can actually be grateful. criminals are oppurtunistic and I am sure this one doesn't just target providers. Hell if he is on parole or is a priorly convicted felon just being in possesion of a firearm will get him some good deal of time. We are people too and unless they are vice they really don't care what you do...

This will happen again,call all other providers who
advertise in the same places as your friend and warn
them, he was successful in finding her that way so
his mo won`t change.

Take care and be safe,NO amount of money is worth
taking unnecessary risks.

Please tell me the best way to select good clients.