I had one independent escort indicate via email that I needed to provide "full legal name, your occupation and employer, your work number that goes through a switchboard or secretary, your personal contact number..."

I certainly understand a provider's safety concerns that require information.  But why would one need my occupation?

It almost makes me wonder if there is the rare (but scary) provider who turns into a blackmailer.  Not that I'd be a sensible target, but it made me wonder.

Anyone with any experience?

Do your research... three words you will here over and over again if you intend to engage in this hobby. Ensure that the lady you are giving your info to has a history of reliability and integrity, and you'll do fine.
Hugs*
Nicole

I am with Nicole. It's pretty easy to know if a certain provider is bad news. You can also ask around here. But the provider's questions are not out of the ordinary. Actually it has become pretty standard practice to get work information over home information. Number one is that it is much more discreet for married hobbyists. A provider might call pretending to be a business associate or a client. I usually say that I am returning your call so it sounds like we already have a relationship to the secretary answering the phone. Also, businesses are usually listed even if they are a home based business, this insures us up to a certain degree that you are not giving us false information and we can screen through a directory listing. Believe it or not, most providers are not out to get you. We are not home wreckers or blackmailers trying to ruin your careers. We are just worried about our safety and trying to avoid wasting our time for someone who does not exist.

Kim I understand your concerns 100%...BUT what about a guy that uses only his cell phone for his business?? I have a small one man (usually) business and I have to see my customers at various times,usually at their request, and they have to be able to be in touch with me all the time.. I do alot of business on the phone while in the car.. What does a guy like me do..??

I'm in the same boat as you. I just lay my cards out on the table for a provider and we can usually come up with something
that we can both agree on sharing....
so far a copy of my current business license and the top of a recent bank statement that has both my business name and my name (w/dba)and no $$$ info seems to comfort most women.
That and a good reputation and some personal referrals from
a nice lady or thress works wonders!

LM

References! I used to go through the whole "Screening & Verification" bit with the work #, etc.

Not anymore. I simply ask for your REAL First and Last name and the name, phone number and/or email address of a "known" provider you've seen before. Of course you must let her know I will be calling or emailing her to verify you.

I dont want to know how you performed, etc. I simply want to know that you are a real person, that you were a nice guy and that you are not LE.

When you arrive I ask to see I.D. (I usually say if you dont feel comfortable showing me your I.D. Then you should probably seek companionship elsewhere).

Simple.

sable

How do you attract clients with just a cell phone? Is it listed in the directory? I'm just curious.

I am in in accord with Nicole and Kym.  Not much to add, only can stress that you must research a lady before you give her your personal information.  That is a VERY important step you must take to protect yourself.

Most of us really are nice and honest women.

Desiree of Portland

I call on them in person, and through word of mouth.. 99% of my work in repeat business.. If I can design a good tool for a reasonable price, then I'm in.. When things are slow I visit them often so they won't forget me.. Keeps me on my toes..

Would you hire a lawyer through the yellow pages?

An accountant?

A doctor?

Even a more "conventional" professional like a real estate agent or auto mechanic?

For most professionals, listings in the yellow pages are a waste of time.

I'm like the above person.  My cellphone is my work phone.  I have a website, but it's pretty useless too.  You don't get hired to design complex financial systems because somebody found you on the web or in the yellow pages.  It's all word of mouth and networking.

Makes it difficult for those of us who are pretty much freelancers and have very little other than a home address and phone number to work with.  (I do have a listed home number, tough I don't use it for work.)  Myself, I don't even have a business license anymore.  Waste of time and money since I pretty much always get classified as a temp employee (an expensive one, I'll grant you, but I manage to avoid being a "business.")

MisterG

I can get all the provider references any lady should need.  beyond that, I will not give up my personal or professional information to a stranger.

Sadly, ladies get busted, and it turns out that the records are there.  Or I hear of a story of old clients being telemarketed at work by a lady they saw a few months earlier.

Nope..while my life is pretty much an open book, I will stick to seeing ladies who will trust the providers I have seen..no personal info to anyone who asks for it.  Not now, not ever.

lw

How, may I ask, will one even get started with a good provider in the first place if one is to give personal information?  I think a bit of luck and a leap of faith is in order here.  I am not sure how to circumvent this issue, but I am thinking...thinking...thinking.... but nothing is happening yet.  I am looking for a reputable person to start off with and to stick with her.  I am not even looking for physical contact, just getting to know them first.

Simms