The last few times I’ve filled out scheduling forms on escort’s websites, they’ve asked for links to my LinkedIn profile. No requests from referrals. No P411 information requests. Now they’re verifying clients through LinkedIn.

Your name, your place of work, your associates.  
The underlying message is she can fuck with your livelihood.
Single guys may not care about giving a real name, but they will care about their source of income.

LinkedIn profiles are essentially a digital business card, it’s the longevity and follower count that makes it credible. Very difficult to fake an account with 7 years of activity and 500+ connections. As to why it’s being used as preferred method, I can’t say.

....where dudes are actually talking about how to do it.  Some guys started doing this a few years back and if you hit the right industry sector, the "connections" come pretty easily.  They tend to land in Tech, sales, media or recruiting.  It could take a 3-4 months to hit 500 contacts if a person worked it daily and still not get flagged by the terms of service.  Engaging in conversations and group participation would help.  

Yeah, if they take a quick look at the profile and do nothing else, I can see them being fooled. But if they spend a little more time they can use LinkedIn to confirm more. I know some providers won’t accept a profile without a picture. With a picture they get your face. If this isn’t the same face they see through the peephole, they aren’t opening the door.

I would counter that guys who go thru those efforts aren't normal guys just trying on the sneak to get verified but guys that operate like that IRL and the ones pros would want to avoid at all costs.  

I will do a general search to see if there is an account, just like I will search other social media sites to confirm the guy's info is the same in all locations. I would never only use one site to confirm a guy is legit and safe. You can create a fake profile on just about any site. To fake multiple profiles on multiple sites takes some high level of nut ball dedication.

Sure, everything gets gamed and we live in a world that is far from perfect or ideal.

No, if there's a guy out there with the primary intention  to do harm to a sexworker and the only verification he needs is a linked in profile, well the odds of that happening are much higher than your 001.  I'd say you can flip that 180 for a more accurate % of someone doing it.  

So you're saying most guys have the intention of harming sex workers or women in general? Seems a bit questionable.

Gotta stay sharp out there… I’ve seen profiles where even the LinkedIn connections were bought 😅 Happens a lot with folks trying to look more “professional.” At the end of the day, LinkedIn is just another tool.. not proof.

not too bright, huh?

I offer a few options for verification-Combination of ID and LinkedIn/work badge/work website with client listed or provider references. Clients still complain or don’t want to. Not sure what the solution is 🤷🏼‍♀️
The ID and LinkedIn combo tells me the guy is employed outside of LE, and the LinkedIn belongs to him. (I check for history, associates, etc on LI).  
Nothing is guaranteed but it makes me feel a bit better going in to an appt.  

In the end, you have to do what works with your own comfort zone. If you feel comfortable offerring more options, great. But never feel you have to do so. As a client, I can decide if I am comfortable with the options you offer. There is nothing wrong with me walking away and not booking you. Neither of us should sacrifice our own comfort zones. And, there should be mutual respect. If they are actually complaining to you, you don't need them. They are worse than the ones who politely and respectfully decline.

He would even easier fake an ID or references. Girls like it because it’s straight forward and can quickly be verified.

I suspect you shouldn't be talking about the brightness of other's bulbs.

I've seen many adverts that ask for only Link in for verification.  

None of them are worth giving out that info. Maybe …mayyyyybe Carmen Electra 😂

Just like in clients safety discussions, LinkedIn verification is just one step of "defense", a filter so to speak.

For those of us who know what we're looking for, it's a useful tool.

I'm OK with it because virtually anyone can find my LinkedIn profile on purpose or by accident.  It's a heck of a lot better than getting caught up in selfies with your DL or a video verification.  Those last two are red lines for me.

My preference for screening?  

Hello!
If you are going to use a provider as a reference you really should reach out to the provider first letting her know who will be contacting her and if they are OK being a reference. Some providers are very specific as to how long they will go back to be a reference for you (some go back 3 months, some 6, etc.). Also if you have only seen the provider once some do not feel comfortable being a reference either. Also giving several references to a provider without verifying with the original providers may cause the provider you want to see go on a wild goose chase wasting everyone's time trying to track down when and if you saw the original provider. This is one of the main reasons I no longer accept references. The amount of time I wasted was ridiculous and yes, half the time the original provider never responded. I am assuming you don't want to burn any bridges in the community and this unfortunately is one sure fire way to do it.  

Yea, I think I'll send a gift card to the two that did do it.