Good thread topic.
1. I agree that, in the end, the john would pay a greater price than a provider. But, I have known no johns to be caught. I have known few providers who have run into the police, mostly because some mad customer turned them in. Still, they didn't spend jail time, because they weren't stupid and didn't say or do something incriminating. In the end, who cares who has more at stake? Let's all stay safe.
2. I agree that the LE is much more likely to go towards the "big fish" and providers than Johns.
3. It seems obvious to not talk about exchanging sex for money, and experienced providers never do. Neither do I. We already know what's going on. Through sites like this, we often know a lot of what will happen and whether we'll have a good connection, in fact.
4. I have not used P411 or anything like that, mostly because I'm a cheap scape, but also because I haven't taken the time to figure out how to pay for for it without creating some sort of paper trail (that might be easy?). Some providers I've seen say it would simplify my life and recommend P411. eyefo seems to be overly cautious in this regard, but it's better than the reverse.
5. Certainly some venues and situations are more obviously risky than others. That is the attraction of SW to many people. (The other is cost, I think. It is rarely because they are healthier, brighter, happier, or better looking.) I'm not an expert nor have done a study, but I would put safety in this order: (a) a friend needing cash, (b) see a provider in a country where it is legal, (c) well-established indy provider, (d) AMP, (e) escort service, (f) SW.
6. In terms of location, I believe that outcall is safer than incall. They come to you, and you don't go to their setup. And, of course, pay cash for your hotel. And, even more obvious, don't invite some stranger in your residence, esp. if you are married. (Talk about risk in so many ways.)
7. Carry ons. Of course, just bring what you need to the appointment, with a little extra cash and "supplies". You don't need 5 credit cards when you're having an hour with your new beauty.
8. Telephone. I should take jframe's recommendations. I've been lazy and just haven't done it. He's right. Get your "hobby phone". I do want to know whether anyone knows what records TracFone keeps on your calls and text messages--could a court subpoena a text message from them? And, how long do they keep records of who you called or who called you? This is something I really do worry about.
8. Internet & computer. It's hard to avoid leaving evidence, but, agreed: (a) Use free email accounts and leave the email on the web, not your computer. (b) Try to use anonymous surfin' etc. (c) Don't keep records, pics, audio, video, etc. That said, I've never heard of cops subpoening a John's computer. And, if I were to keep pics, I'd put them in encryption. (Heck, you can encrypt the whole hard drive easily in Windows these days.) And, you can do
http://eraser.heidi.ie/ to anything "sensitive" you delete, etc.
10. And, remember: girlfriends and wives are pretty smart and intuitive.
11. In terms of STDs, I find it interesting that I have never known a provider who has admitted to having had an STD. In fact, most directly state they never have had an STD and that they are careful: It's their life as well as their profession at stake. Very few have said they've seen guys with STDs. It's more the normal girl you meet in the bar, who seem less careful; and it is the non-providers who seem to have more STDs. Maybe you can correct me on that. I don't have statistics, but just what annecdotal evidence I've collected over the years.
12. Use protection and water-based lube for the act. Some also use it for dining at the "Y" too, I suppose. I don't know the risks of oral specifically, but I know it has risk. I also don't know anyone to have caught anything through giving or receiving: Although the local health department wants you to be in constant fear and gave me a ton of dental dams upon hearing about my activity. (The guy also told me to not do it with shaved women, because there are micro-abrasions in the skin that allow disease to go through... .) Oh, I do remember one posting on ASPD back in about 2004 from a newbie guy in Houston, who said he was quitting because he got herpes from a SW he paid $20 for BJ.
13. The front entrance is safer than the back entrance (anal).
14. Take a shower or at least wash afterwards. Gargle and spit. Clean up.
15. Notice the cleanliness and carefulness of the provider and her concern for yours too.
And, most of all, just use your intuition as well as your brain. That's why we have both.