I contacted an agency that told me new clients are required to make a deposit via Cash App or Zelle. I haven’t used either, but I assume the transaction can be traced back to me. Perhaps this is common, but I don’t feel comfortable with it. Thoughts and advice?

I've used both - Zelle can be tied by the recipient directly to the real-work bank account.  If you use your personal checking account, for instance,  your name will be there on the transfer message.  There may be a way to avoid that by using business accounts, but I haven't tried that.  CashApp acts as a cut-out between the bank information and the recipient (i.e., you will both see each other's selected aliases only). So CashApp is more secure from your perspective - but the transaction would likely not survive a warrant if LEO gets involved.  I've successfully made deposits with CashApp - with providers I'm seeing for the first time, and for long-time "friends" I have used Zelle, but very selectively.  

Numerous articles and instances of hobbyists getting into trouble when not using a cash transaction.   Ig exposure not a concern (where you could loose your job or get divorced) then go for it.

in 2001 that you hadn't used email yet..  Maybe a little behind rest of the world.. LOL

Ignore the tin foil hats in the thread, they are also likely anti deposit.  

Use cash.

Seems like that might depend on the bank you have Zelle connected with.

Cashapp allows you to pay in cash as an option as well. All you have to do is visit an in store location that accepts cash. 💰  

I've gone through all the various menus I can find on it.

IIRC, you can generate a barcode to give someone else and then they use that to make a cash payment to the account that generated the code. You take it to some participating location (like Western Union terminals at stores) and pay the cash there.

I ask Google everything.  When I click on my cashapp I can see my scan code. I have a link 🔗 on my website that leads directly to my cashapp because I love to kiss 💋 keep it super simple.  

I’m never going to leave the casa without a deposit. I’m never going to go book a room for an incall date without a deposit. 💸 You can purchase a giftcard almost anywhere nowadays it’s super simple. I am a single Mom, so I offer many options to supply a deposit. As a sign of good faith a deposit 💵 is needed for me personally.

I haven't had a provider turn me down when I ask if I can send it using an Amazon or Uber GC. I pay for it in cash, take a picture of it and send it by email. Non traceable, as best you can do.
.
In your case, it sounds like you just need a deposit for the first date with that agency? If they turn you down with my option, ask if they will accept my method but send a larger amount and not have that amount go against the balance.
.
Normally I would never do that, but I don't know your options where you live so if this is a great agency it may be worth it.
.
Lastly, j86568 is correct. Just ignore the "never send a deposit" crowd. They are only doing that for their own best interests and they try to use scare tactics to get you to not do it. I have been doing it for 5-6 years and never been burned.

We leave the deposits to the suckers who are desperate enough to pay them. The ones that aren't, ......don't.

One of the tin foil hats here, who hate that other people send deposits to great success, has now chimed in yet again. He...just...can't...help...himself.  
.
Just do what you want to do...what makes you feel comfortable. Don't listen to the control freaks here. They def do NOT have your best interests at heart...only theirs.

Ok desperado.  
Truth must sting a lil bit. Sorry....

Please do not speak poorly about Robert, rude and unnecessary. I personally do not do deposits, but if other reputable providers wish to utilize them that is up to them. Their business, their rules.  Robert is smart enough to know how to do his research and make sure the provider he wishes to see is on the up and up and not a scam. Roberts is far from a sucker and most definitely not desperate. If you have nothing to add to the OP then move along.

Exactly. Just because he hasn’t been scammed it’s all good.

The truth is you go running for the hills like a scared man-child when a provider mentions a deposit. And when someone mentions a deposit on here you come running right back screaming and shouting “LISTEN TO ME!! DO WHAT I DO!!” It’s pathetic honestly.

Well MissScarlet,I believe I did add something of value to the original OP. Perhaps you missed it. I suggested the OP stay away from deposits and see providers and agencies that don't ask for them. Especially deposit and Cash app in the same breath!  
You see, Robert likes to make points opposite of mine whenever the opportunity arises just fyi. And btw, There are hundreds of "I got taken" posts and reviews of another person who "thought" they did their due diligence, paid a deposit and lost it. Those stories and reviews are all over this site.  
So yes ma'am, the statement "I leave the deposits to the suckers and the desperate ones" is absolutely true. Robert pays deposits because he has to. I don't.

If you're not comfortable with what this agency is asking for,  then move on, it ain't worth the stress/hassle that's gonna fuck with your mind.
And on a side note.
If there is a certain lady with that agency who you're fixed on, my bet is that she's probably listed on other sites where a deposit might not be required....just a thought
Oh... and by the way, thank you

-- Modified on 3/13/2025 12:33:00 PM

No one "has to".  

Yes, Zelle warns you that payments are final.  

Or maybe we could focus on how to make this board informative like it is supposed to be? It is quite obvious you are still salty about being scammed out of a deposit (s) but many others here clearly have not. If you do not feel comfortable sending a deposit that is your choice, just like it is any client's choice to send one. If you would like to share what app you used or what transpired for the transaction for you to get scammed that would be helpful to the OP, but calling other clients "desperate" for successfully booking providers for years utilizing deposits while you were the one that got scammed is projection 101. Just stick to the facts. We are all adults here.

It is informative. He’s telling people don’t do deposits. I happen to agree.

I think the vast majority of the gents here agree with you Rafl, including me.

is the perfect description of him. It is quite apparent to anyone who reads his posts.

What information is he providing? None. He gets on every thread that mentions deposits, gives his opinion on them and puts down those that don’t follow his views. He gives no information whatsoever. I disagree with him and you and I’ll give information to back it up. I’ve been doing this 5 years and have never been burned on a deposit. I do research and make informed decisions booking with reputable providers. Unless he’d like to share why he’s so opposed to them with first hand anecdotes he’s adding no value.

What self interests would those be? Are they competitors with cash app or zelle?  

I was wondering the same thing. How on earth could giving someone on this board advice that they asked for (this is not unsolicited advice here..)  be in my best interest. What could one possibly gain from that.  
Zero.... that's what.  
The fact is, deposits ARE a bad idea and deposit scams are getting more and more popular by the day. I just noticed ANOTHER example just a couple days ago of a provider with 3 pages of good reviews,  take someone on their deposit. Possibly another "robert" saying, oh its fiiiiiiine........Until it wasn't.  

We can say that about pretty much anything here, can't we. Just because you've not been robbed it's all good. Just because you've not been arrested it's all good. Just because you've not been bait-n-switched it all good. Just because you've not caught an infection it's all good. Just because your wife has not caught you it's all good.

First, good to see that you're trying to think things through with the big head. Blue ball decisions, like most emergency actions tend to be sketchy.  

I just put Durran421 on my ignore list because all his post are derogatory towards providers who require deposits. No one positive post on TER ever, so I placed him on my ignore list.  

And.....For today's most childish reply yet. Hey, If the guy wants to pay deposits.... be my guest. Im sure he'll never get burned. Because EVERY provider is just like you. Right? In fact I encourage him to continue. After all, he does his "research"  

paid deposits for years, then all of a sudden, they get burned for a grand and didn't see it coming.  It only takes getting scammed ONCE to show a non-believer how easy it is.   Most who get scammed have an epiphany about how stupid they have been in the past, but I agree with you, until they have been burned, they have no reason to believe they are NOT doing things correctly, so it's understandable that they will defend their actions in continuing to pay deposits.    

You’re on ignore. No value coming from anything you post.

Some guys like to see themselves as "one of the good clients." I think every client should be considerate and respectful of a provider and their rules/boundaries. There are benefits, since the provider is going to be more relaxed if she feels safe and comfortable. However, some guys let it go to their head and it leads them to be a bit pollyannish  and naive (if not downright delusional). Risk can only be mitigated, never eliminated. What we are doing carries risks. You can do all the research in the world but all it takes is for one provider to change all that. If you play with fire you will get burned. If you pay deposits, prepare to get ripped off one day. It just is what it is, understand the risks of the game.
.
The issue with a blanket "no deposits" is that it is very hard to find high-end independent providers that don't require PI or deposits. If you want to play in that market your options are limited. The other issue is that more and more women have no reviews or a no review policy yet require deposits and/or PI. Paying deposits in this circumstance is insane, IMHO. The client has literally no recourse if you get ripped off. Can you post a ripoff report of a delisted provider? Are you going to raise a ruckus if a girl has your employment and personal information? Probably not. While I can't make a blanked "no deposits" statement, I can say that most providers do not meet my criteria for deposits. For me, deposits are reserved for well reviewed, higher end companions. Also, I think for many guys, a blanked "no deposit" policy probably makes sense.

I only see higher end providers. Plenty that don't take deposits. I do have great references though. I’ve had a few that when told I don’t do deposits they relented. I don’t reach out to the ones who have deposits required but some ladies don’t put that down. I’ve had some say that’s their requirement and they wouldn’t see me. Everyone is entitled to do whatever they want. There is one lady I’ve seen for years and we have done vacations together. It started out with her wanting a deposit and I said no, so thankful she took a chance haha. She has been a lot of fun. I do don’t deposits because I’ve been burned twice when starting out.

around deposits.  I always have at least two indie girls that I have seen within the last 60 days that will give me a good reference with providers that will be new for me.  Occasionally, I will come across a provider that wants to screen me with personal information irrespective of my refs, and that's a pass for me, but when it comes to deposits, good refs will get you past a "deposit wall" that is just a provider preference but not a hard one-size-fits-all rule.

Used Zelle and was turned-off by my real name being exposed.

The real name appears for both parties of the transaction.

and there's a reason why so many encourage legitimizing their business as much as possible (creating a LLC if possible). It can make things quite a bit easier.

Yup! Never again!

...what does it matter that they'd have your name?  If they're going to fuck you later, they've already got what they need.  

Been around a long time.  Also away a long time. Deposits were never a thing before.  But after reading a lot if stories about them, I won't be doing them. Also never use Zelle. Usually Paypal or Venmo. thats it.

Right.   I used to be more active but won’t send deposits so I play more with sugar babies.  I see a few more providers advertising that they don’t require deposits, so maybe the tide is turning.  

Those names will show up on credit card receipts if money is sent and paid using a card as payment method. I recommend something super vague and vanilla, perhaps "Jones Consulting" vs. "Sexy Janey."

And, possibly more important, choose something discreet.
Thank you.

I haven't tried NOT doing deposit... but I think I would, if I had a good reason... change my mind?

Do whatever the fuck you want with deposits. Why you need anyone to change your mind.

http://www.zellepay.com/faq/ive-heard-theres-change-zeller-app-what-happening
I’ve heard there’s a change to the Zelle® app. What is happening?  
.
"More than 2,200 banks and credit unions across the U.S. now offer Zelle® through their mobile app or online banking site. As a result of this growth, in October of 2024, we announced that we are removing the ability for users to send or receive money using the Zelle® app starting April 1, 2025.
.
"If you use the standalone Zelle® app, you should have received messaging about this change through various emails and in-app notifications. To continue using Zelle®, all standalone app users must enroll through one of the more than 2,200 banks and credit unions that offer Zelle® through their mobile app. ..."
.
Just another consideration to consider.

I’ve had both Cashapp and Zelle accounts shuttered.