I was looking through the post from about a week ago regarding agencies in DC and decided to give one that a couple people said was reputable a try.  I believe the agency is legit but for screening they want in addition to the regular information a selfie (I have no problem with that) and a picture of a photo ID (I have a problem with this).  Is asking for a pic of a photo ID something that is becoming more common?  I personally don’t have a problem with providing true name and other information but am not at all comfortable with this requirement.  Am I off base here and wonder what you all think?

I was considering the same agency and will not go through with this. Personally, I don’t even give true info. The two agencies I have been vetted with accepted provider references. I know that me not willing to provide a photo, or even true information like a LinkedIn page will put me on the “no” list of a few agencies, and independents, but oh well. It’s not worth the risk for me. I’m old enough to remember the DC Madam case where her former worker and clients info was released...

So accept you covering address and ID#. They just want your name and age and if ur ok with giving them your name ask then if it’s ok to hide those details? A selfie that matches the license photo and your DOB to prove ur of age might be enough.

Two things are true of any information you send electronically: 1) It's out there forever, lurking in various servers, computers, phones, etc. 2) It's no longer under your control. So the important question to ask yourself is how much would you stand to lose if the info got into the wrong hands (LEO, employer, S.O.) at any point in the future? In many cases, although the probability of a problem might be low, the adverse consequences could be catastrophic. You could think about it like trying to cross a freeway during a period of light traffic. You'll probably make it to the other side but the downside is terminal. Sorry to be so gloomy but I'm not about to entrust my future to any stranger, especially when that stranger could get caught up in a LEO investigation in which their devices and accounts will be scrutinized. And I don't care how many assurances they give about "deleting" my data, it just ain't gonna happen. Just my .02 worth but everyone has to decide for themselves. One other note that's applicable in the DC area, more than most, is how many people work in jobs requiring some level of security clearance. If you're one of those you know how fickle that process can be and you probably know of colleagues who've had clearances suspended or revoked and had to find a new line of work.

So there were half a dozen Agencies that were taken down by LOcal law enforcement several years ago, as well as indies, the most proliflic reviewer in DC market, and an Admin of this board. LE was able to get the phones, contact info, Johns names, addresses, work info, laptops, black books, references, preferences. Then linked it all together. Bottom line, any info you give out will eventually get into the wrong hands! Yes the ladies want info for their protection and security, in case you are a stalker, rapist, manipulator, murder, thief. I like using P411 as a verification site for both me and the ladies. If a lady doesn't use that, I don't see her. I also don't do deposits, been burnt, won't let that happen again.

No members of TER" Admin" were involved. The person you are speaking of was a "Volunteer Moderator" not a member of TER Admin who are paid employees

I have been in this hobby for over 15 years . I will never be comfortable provide photo ID or work info . Agencies comes and goes .

I use a hobby email as well. Not my personal email. A few years back and Indy provider emailed to say she was back in town and was available.  

I remember this or at least a similar incident. I was shocked to see a good number of hobbyists using work email or with personal info.

I stand corrected and you are right. I was trying to remember what title he actually had. Thanks for the update on my aged brain. I am forgetting more stuff than I remember anymore. Like the password to this site. I even had to look at old reviews to remind myself who I had seen in the past. Wish I could remember the agency names that got taken down and who got jail time and who got tagged and released. There used to be a TER member who had a website about this stuff. Nope, can't remember that either. Lol. Where are my glasses gone? again. why is the door locked on this senior citizen facility.

Don’t know if this was one of the agencies taken down in the specific situation that you mentioned, but DC Prime was an agency that was taken down back in the late 2000’s (early 2010’s?). They had a number of models I was eyeing but back then I stayed away from agencies.

A provider asked me for a picture a few weeks ago. I told her no. She still saw me.

I was on the same or a similar email distribution from a provider a few years ago (who is based out of FL and still active as far as I know) and what amazed me most was that there were some work email addresses on the distribution and some of them were government employees - I couldn’t help but google a few of these names, and indeed they appeared to be real people.  I’d like to think that all of those easily google-able email addresses/names were hobbyists masquerading as other real people - but I tend to doubt that was the case.

There is a difference between emailing a client list and emailing people who put in their email into a plug-in on a website.

Are you still a hundredaire, or has the booming stockmarket propelled you into the "four digit" world??? lol

Hi Jessie,

A requirement for me is word information;
That could mean a photo of ID (which most have no problem providing) or your business information/Linkedin or anything along those lines. Unfortunently a few bad apples ruined the whole bunch and in this day and age you can't be too safe! I don't allow references because the lady could be working with the gentleman.. There's just too many things that could go wrong.