Screening Guide
Understanding the screening process and why it matters for everyone's safety
Last updated: December 2025
What is Screening?
Screening is a verification process that providers use to confirm the identity and legitimacy of potential clients before meeting. It's a standard practice in the industry that protects both parties and creates a foundation of trust.
Safety First
Screening helps providers avoid potentially dangerous situations
Mutual Trust
Creates a foundation of trust before meeting in person
Professionalism
Standard practice that separates legitimate interactions from risky ones
Why Screening Matters
For Providers
Screening is your most important safety tool. It helps you:
- Verify that potential clients are who they claim to be
- Identify potential red flags before meeting
- Build a client base of verified, trustworthy individuals
- Protect your physical safety and peace of mind
- Maintain control over who you choose to see
Never Skip Screening
No amount of money is worth compromising your safety. Anyone who pressures you to skip screening or gets aggressive about it is displaying a major red flag. Legitimate clients understand and respect the process.
For Clients
Screening benefits you too:
- Providers who screen are generally safer and more professional
- Being screened shows you're serious and trustworthy
- Building references opens doors with more providers
- It demonstrates respect for the provider's safety
- Screened clients often receive better experiences
Pro Tip
Think of screening as a two-way street. You're verifying that the provider is legitimate, and they're verifying you. Both parties benefit from the increased trust and safety.
Common Screening Methods
Providers may use one or more of these methods. Each has pros and cons, and different providers have different requirements.
Provider References
Contact information for other providers you've seen who can vouch for you.
What You'll Need:
- Names/stage names of 2-3 providers
- Their contact information or website
- Approximate date you last saw them
Tips:
- Give your references a heads up that you're using them
- Make sure contact info is current
- References should be within the last 6-12 months
Employment Verification
Verification of your place of employment through official channels.
What You'll Need:
- Work email address (company domain)
- LinkedIn profile (optional)
- Sometimes a business card photo
Tips:
- Use your work email to send a brief intro
- A LinkedIn with employment history helps
- Providers verify discreetly - they won't contact your employer
ID Verification
A photo of your government-issued ID to confirm your identity.
What You'll Need:
- Clear photo of valid ID (driver's license, passport)
- Sometimes a selfie holding your ID
Tips:
- You can blur sensitive info (address, ID number)
- Name and photo must be visible
- Reputable providers handle this info confidentially
Deposit
A partial payment in advance to confirm your commitment.
What to Expect:
- Usually 10-50% of the total rate
- Paid via specified payment method
- Applied to your appointment total
Tips:
- Only send deposits to verified providers
- Understand the cancellation/refund policy
- Keep confirmation of your payment
Video Call
A brief video call to confirm you match your photos/identity.
What to Expect:
- Quick 2-5 minute video chat
- Usually on FaceTime, Telegram, or similar
- Casual conversation to verify identity
Tips:
- Find a private place for the call
- Be presentable and friendly
- It benefits both parties to see each other first
Social Media / Online Presence
Verification through established online accounts.
What May Help:
- Twitter/X account with history
- LinkedIn profile
- Other social media with real photos
Tips:
- Accounts should have some history (not brand new)
- You can use a separate, discreet account
- This supplements other screening, rarely replaces it
Screening Guide for Clients
Building Your First References
Everyone starts somewhere. Here's how to get your first references:
- Start with newbie-friendly providers: Many providers specifically welcome new clients and have alternative screening methods for those without references.
- Use employment verification: Your work credentials can serve as initial verification while you build references.
- Be honest: Tell providers you're new. Most appreciate honesty and may work with you on alternative verification.
- ID + deposit: Some providers accept ID verification plus a deposit for first-time clients.
- Ask for a reference after: After a successful appointment, politely ask if they'd be willing to serve as a reference.
Protecting Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Here are some tips:
- Reputable providers protect your info: Professional providers understand discretion and have secure practices for handling screening information.
- Blur sensitive details: When sending ID photos, you can typically blur your address and ID number while leaving name and photo visible.
- Ask about their privacy practices: It's reasonable to ask how your information will be stored and when it will be deleted.
- Use a dedicated email: Create a separate email address for these interactions.
The Trade-off
Yes, screening requires sharing some personal information. But consider: providers are also trusting you with their safety by agreeing to meet. Screening creates mutual accountability that benefits everyone.
Red Flags to Watch For
While screening is normal, be cautious of:
Screening Guide for Providers
Developing Your Screening Process
Your screening process should be:
- Consistent: Apply the same standards to everyone - no exceptions
- Clear: Communicate your requirements upfront on your profile or website
- Reasonable: Balance thoroughness with practicality
- Documented: Keep records of screening for your reference
Verifying References
When checking references:
- Contact the reference provider directly (don't rely on client-provided contact)
- Verify the provider is legitimate (check their website, social media)
- Ask specific questions: "Did you see [name]? When? Any concerns?"
- Be wary of references from providers you can't verify exist
- Look for consistency in the information provided
Verifying Employment
For employment verification:
- Email domain: Have them email you from their work address
- LinkedIn: Cross-reference with their LinkedIn profile
- Company website: Verify the company exists and is legitimate
- Never contact their employer directly - this violates their privacy
Handling ID Information
Best practices for ID verification:
- Only keep information as long as necessary
- Store any saved information securely (encrypted)
- Delete information after a reasonable period
- Never share client information with others
- Be clear about your privacy practices
Screening Clients Without References
Options for screening new clients:
- Employment verification + ID
- ID + deposit
- Video call + other verification
- Multiple forms of verification combined
- Requiring a public meet-and-greet first
Trust Your Instincts
Even if someone passes screening on paper, trust your gut. If something feels off during the process, it's okay to decline. Your safety is worth more than any appointment.
Screening Do's and Don'ts
Do
- Be patient and respectful throughout the process
- Provide accurate, truthful information
- Communicate openly about any concerns
- Give references a heads up before using them
- Accept "no" gracefully if you don't pass screening
- Build a good reputation for future reference
Don't
- Pressure providers to skip or rush screening
- Provide fake or misleading information
- Get angry or aggressive about screening requirements
- Use references without their permission
- Expect to skip screening because you "seem trustworthy"
- Share other clients' or providers' information
Frequently Asked Questions
Everyone starts without references. Look for providers who are "newbie friendly" or offer alternative screening methods like employment verification, ID + deposit, or video calls. Be upfront that you're new and most providers will work with you.
Understandably, this concerns many people. Reputable providers handle this information confidentially and often delete it after verification. You can blur sensitive details like your address and ID number. Research the provider first - check reviews, online presence, and reputation before sharing personal information.
It varies. Reference checks might take 24-48 hours as providers need time to respond. Employment verification can often be done same-day. ID verification is usually quick once received. Plan to start the screening process a few days before you'd like to meet.
Generally, no. Screening requirements exist for safety and shouldn't be negotiated. However, you can ask if alternative methods are acceptable (e.g., employment verification instead of references). If a provider's requirements don't work for you, look for others with different processes.
If you don't pass screening, accept it gracefully. The provider may not explain why - that's their prerogative. Don't argue or pressure them. Instead, focus on building verifiable references with other providers who have different screening requirements.
Legitimate screening asks for information that verifies identity - references, employment, ID. Be wary of requests for financial information (bank accounts, SSN), extremely large deposits from unknown providers, or screening that seems designed to extract information rather than verify identity.
Need More Help?
If you have questions about screening or encounter issues, we're here to help. Visit our Contact Us page or check our other guides for more information.