Deposit policies and ways to pay deposit.
I find it hard to pay a deposit esp higher amounts  since any sudden movement of funds to charity or charges on cards can easily be found out.  
vanilla gift card scams have taken that out of the equation. trying to find out how others are managing.
thanks

I have infrequently made them — either because I mostly avoid those that require them or sometime ladies will  waive them (as I am willing to share more personal info).  When I have submitted a deposit, I have done so via used gift cards.

but am a bit at a loss in understanding your last bit about the anonymous gift cards. Is there some other scam you're running into other than the give the card number, it gets used but the appointments never gets honored? If that's the concern I don't see how any deposit payment really gets protected other than via both parties ending up providing PII. If it's something else could you elaborate?

The way I manage deposits is NOT to pay them and move on to the next provider.  We are already too exposed to open ourselves to more trouble.  That's just my feelings on the subject.  

The most risk averse way to pay a deposit.

I personally always ask for a deposit.  
From my experience with situations like this, I usually suggest crypto as a way to send the deposit without someone noticing. I do also have a way for clients to send deposit to an LLC that doesn't connect to anything spicy.. which a lot of them have loved using. But I understand your worry, there are also a few providers, who do not mind meeting in public for the deposit.

I sympathize with both sides. There have been high-profile thefts and scams (yes, even well-known providers and photographers have stolen deposits), so that fear is real. The industry isn’t regulated like other professions, so I completely understand the hesitation. And in the same breath, providers can’t afford no-shows.

 
Sure, we could go back to the days before deposits… but that would also mean double-booking men and letting whoever shows up first go first. If that sounds like chaos, well, so is expecting women to hold time for free when flakiness has only gotten worse since COVID. If someone flakes, that time usually can’t be filled. For touring providers especially, not showing up means hotel, flights, and lost prep time that don’t come back. And yes, even if some expenses can be written off, that isn’t the point.

 
But if you can figure out VPNs, travel logistics, and discretion to meet someone in the first place, I imagine you can figure out a deposit method. Options include:

 
• Platforms like Throne or YouPay; specifically designed for discreet gifting/payments
• LLC Invoice; if a provider is set up this way, they can invoice you as personal assistant, event consulting, wellness services, etc. (A surprising number of us operate this way). Expect a 1–3% processing fee
• Zelle (business account); goes directly to their business name, cleaner on statements
• CashApp; deposit cash via ATM or via debit or credit card, then transfer to their account
• Venmo; deposit funds via debit or credit card, or ACH and make a private transfer
• Bitcoin ATMs; deposit cash, transfer to their wallet for extra anonymity
• Cash in Mail; expedited and tracked, still used by some old-school clients

I think its not a question about  paying  a deposit. A nominal deposit   is reasonable esp if the provider is  verified on the site .this covers a basic and the provider is not out a lot.  
the bigger issue is larger deposits like 50%  or so.Once the amount goes over few  hundred  these catch your eye even when you look at a statement.
However innocuous the charge is.
crypto in a weird way is quite traceable.

You’re right; the amount is usually what scares people more than the idea of a deposit itself. A small, nominal deposit (say, 15-25%) tends to fly under the radar and still shows a provider you’re serious. Once you start talking about 50%+ it not only looks different on statements, but it also feels heavier psychologically for clients, especially new ones.

 
That’s why many of us scale deposits according to the date duration. This keeps deposits reasonable while still enough to discourage flakiness. It’s a balance: enough skin in the game to matter, but not so much that it becomes a red flag.  

 
Welcome to the digital age where everything, including crypto can be traceable in its own way. But crypto, invoicing through a LLC, or discreet platforms like Throne, which disguise the transaction entirely, tend to be best. The best advice I give my own clients is to talk openly with the provider: if you’re genuinely vetted, verified, and respectful, most will work with you (re: like doing 1/2 the deposit on "x" day and the next 1/2 a week later) to find a discreet method that doesn’t blow up your spot.

Put your Venmo on private and mark it as “reimbursement” or something innocuous. If you’re concerned about a s/o finding out withdrawing larger amounts of cash is a lot more suspicious.  

If you’re concerned about scams - that’s the reason I only book with people who have reputations they would like to maintain. Being labeled as a scammer would ruin her reputation and at least a significant portion of her livelihood  

Personally, I find deposits easier.

Not every provider that asks for a deposit is a scam, but every scammer asks for a deposit.  The only way to not get burned is to avoid deposits.  Cash in person is the only sure way.

Don’t normalize deposits. I get that not all of them are scammers, but MOST are. Just move on to a provider that doesn’t require one.

If we normalize paying deposits more scammers will flood the industry.

Deposits already are normalized. If you’re really worried about getting scammed, stick with providers that don’t require deposits.Check TER’s Top Ten Provider List. Most of them require deposits. None of them are scammers.

Maxsky said it best, "Not every provider that asks for a deposit is a scam, but every scammer asks for a deposit.  The only way to not get burned is to avoid deposits.  Cash in person is the only sure way."

true, I asked for deposits... I wont leave my home with out one. Ive been burned too many times before.

Years ago, I paid two deposits. Both were no-shows.

I will no longer pay a deposit.

Never have & never will.

Of course not. I can attest to that. In fact, I give you 100% of the total before we meet.  

 
One time you cancelled on me and I was refunded within 10 minutes.  

 
Just making it known that no one is more honest and legit than you are my dear.