Red flags are a hot topic these days. From red flags at work to red flags in relationships, we can’t get enough of looking for crimson warnings.
But did you know there are also red flags to look for when booking escort services? Like escorts, clients should always examine the situation to ensure it’s safe and not a scam. We’ve spoken before about red flags escorts need to know, but today, we’re flipping the script and helping clients stay safe when connecting with sex workers.
Scroll down to get in the know and protect yourself from bad actors.
Why should you look for escort red flags?
A red flag is a slang term for a warning sign that indicates manipulative or unhealthy behaviours. In the case of booking an escort, a red flag would indicate that they don’t have your best interests at heart or provide unprofessional services.
Looking for red flags is crucial, as knowing the signs of a scammy provider helps you protect yourself and your finances. It also enables you to avoid unpleasant experiences, as spending a few hours with an unprofessional escort will always be disappointing.
Without further ado, here are escort red flags every punter needs to know. Keep reading or save this article so you have these tips by your side.
You can’t find a website or social media presence
These days, booking escort services nearly always happens online.
However, you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the internet. Amid escort ads and job boards, there are plenty of scams. You need to know how to distinguish between fake adverts and genuine ones.
The best way to tell is to check whether the escort has a personal website or social media presence. Nearly all reputable escorts have their own online presence where you can book or reach out for more information. X (formerly known as Twitter) is one of the most popular social networks for escorts.
No online presence is a red flag. Of course, a few professionals don’t have websites or social media. But you should proceed with caution. It’s like a company hiring a new employee without LinkedIn or a CV. Possible, but LinkedIn and CVs are sound proof of skills.
They don’t use protection
Safe sex is the best sex. So, if you connect with an escort who doesn’t use protective measures, you might want to reconsider your booking.
Data from the World Health Organisation shows that 1 million curable STIs are passed on every day, such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
All professional escorts use condoms and regularly take tests to prevent STIs. “Bare” sex might sound attractive, but no trustworthy escort will be offering it. Sex without protection signals a lack of care for their health – and yours.
Forget what you’ve seen in pornography. Protection signals professional services when booking an escort.
Hygiene isn’t a priority
Clients are always expected to arrive washed and clean, but so are providers.
If you suspect the escort isn’t caring for their personal hygiene, you should back out of the booking. All professional and experienced providers ensure they’re clean and hygienic before a session.
Want to know before you go? Look through an escort’s review before you meet to see if anyone has mentioned hygiene before.
They push your boundaries
Boundaries are lines we draw for ourselves that protect our comfort levels and safety. If an escort starts to push your boundaries, it’s an immediate red flag.
For example, if you tell your provider you don’t want to be touched in certain areas, and they proceed to touch you there, you should stop the session immediately.
A provider may also try to push your boundaries before the session starts. Sometimes, unprofessional escorts will try to make you book more expensive services by hinting or telling you over text.
If this happens, restate your boundaries or move on to a more reputable escort.
You realise you’re getting attached
Becoming romantically attached to an escort is a big red flag. This is one you have to look for in yourself, so don’t shy away from self-reflection.
Escorts are there to provide professional services. At the end of the day, it’s a business and not a date. So, if you notice yourself falling for an escort, it’s best to back away to protect yourself from heartbreak and them from a complicated client relationship.
They’re asking invasive questions
Asking invasive or “too personal” questions is also a red flag. This could happen in the initial online communication or during the session.
While it’s normal to break the ice and get to know each other, your provider shouldn’t be asking for your address or bank details. You wouldn’t give this information to your hairdresser, so don’t give it to an escort.
They keep changing the price
Inconsistent pricing information is another big red flag.
Professional escorts have service lists and rates, which don’t change often. You might want to back away if your escort changes the fee every five minutes.
It’s normal for escorts to slowly raise their rates over the years. Like any business, their pricing reflects their experience and skills.
But it’s a red flag if an escort keeps quoting you different prices for no obvious reason.
They arrive late to the session
Being on time is part of the job. If an escort is extremely late to your booking or ghosts it altogether, it’s time to block them and move on.
Sometimes, life happens, and providers might be late. However, there’s a clear difference between unprofessionalism and an actual emergency situation.
Consent isn’t considered
Consent is a crucial aspect of any intimate relationship. So, if your sex worker starts touching you without permission or without discussing expectations or boundaries beforehand, they’re not someone you want to work with.
Catch up on the A-Z of sexual consent via our expert guide.
The takeaway
Navigating escort red flags can be difficult at first. With some research, looking out for potential problems is easy. Hopefully, this list has given you a quick insight into behaviours to avoid. Again, the majority of escorts are excellent professionals, so you likely won’t need to worry about these problems. But being armed with knowledge is always a benefit!
Keep learning today. Read Vivastreet’s blog for clients online here.
