Is asking for a deposit a scam?

I've been seeing a lot of girls recently that are asking for a deposit prior to meeting and most of them say it's in case you cancel. Is this normal or probably a scam? Most of these girls are model types with high rates like 500 an hour or more. They usually want deposit of half.

Never have, never will.

I am a provider who requires a deposit for all visits and it's not a scam, but I can only speak for myself. I recommend you research the provider you are giving the deposit to. Do they have a social media presence? Do they seem coherent and responsive? Have you set a date and time to meet and are they requiring a deposit to hold that date? If the answer to those questions is yes, it is likely it is not a scam and yes, a deposit in the event you cancel. If the answer to those questions is mostly no, then it may be a scam.

This is a very contested issue currently as the landscape of provider/client relations is ever-evolving. Personally, I need my client to be held accountable in the event they decide to NC/NS me, so I take a deposit.

I have to put a credit card on file at my hair colorist, my hairstylist, my esthetician, and my nail tech before I make an appointment. If for some reason I can't make the appointment and don't give adequate notice, my card on file is charged either half of what the appointment cost would have been, or the entire amount depending on the service provider's policy. Why would it be different with your provider?

Sadly Elle yes I know you are 100% real. But even known providers that ask for a deposit alot and I mean alot run a scam or no show once paid. 95% of all the ones that do most are scams or not even a girl. You might not C&D or scam but its no indication of whether another provider will follow through or not...

I'm not giving anything in advance, is it probably going to limit to some providers, probably. But in any case I've given any advance I've been burned more than once. Its a imperfect system and this "hobby" is not like going to the car shop or barber.

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Some of them aren't a scam but 80% are a scam and there is no repercussions if you give someone a deposit and they no show.



It would be much easier if we used strip clubs and massage parlors to authenticate that we at least exist and have good manners.

I have to put a credit card on file at my hair colorist, my hairstylist, my esthetician, and my nail tech before I make an appointment.

I just use supercuts. All I have to do is call ahead and check if they are busy and open and I automatically have a spot in line when I come in. They don't have to have my credit card on file, and they only charge me for service.

I have to put a credit card on file at my hair colorist, my hairstylist, my esthetician, and my nail tech before I make an appointment. If for some reason I can't make the appointment and don't give adequate notice, my card on file is charged either half of what the appointment cost would have been, or the entire amount depending on the service provider's policy. Why would it be different with your provider? Originally Posted by Elle Banks

First, you're a well established SW who I would have no qualms about putting down a deposit.

Keep in mind that most of the ads posted (especially on 'free' websites like LC and STG, but even pay sites) are only separating dumb people from their money by asking for a deposit prior to meeting.

Your examples are established businesses with consequences if they "No Show" you. Could you imagine if your hairstylist charged your card for not giving you a haircut? How many times would you go back to that hairstylist?

I am a provider who requires a deposit for all visits and it's not a scam, but I can only speak for myself. I recommend you research the provider you are giving the deposit to. Do they have a social media presence? Do they seem coherent and responsive? Have you set a date and time to meet and are they requiring a deposit to hold that date? If the answer to those questions is yes, it is likely it is not a scam and yes, a deposit in the event you cancel. If the answer to those questions is mostly no, then it may be a scam.

This is a very contested issue currently as the landscape of provider/client relations is ever-evolving. Personally, I need my client to be held accountable in the event they decide to NC/NS me, so I take a deposit.

I have to put a credit card on file at my hair colorist, my hairstylist, my esthetician, and my nail tech before I make an appointment. If for some reason I can't make the appointment and don't give adequate notice, my card on file is charged either half of what the appointment cost would have been, or the entire amount depending on the service provider's policy. Why would it be different with your provider? Originally Posted by Elle Banks

I'm not saying anyone I'd dishonest. The main problem with deposits is that it's free money for those who don't honor the agreement. This industry is riddled with well known providers and fly by night con artists who DO steal. It's the nature of it.

I get the comparison to other businesses requiring a credit card but that is not a good comparison to this industry.

In this no one should ever use any forms of payment that could be traced back to them. Right there, that negates personal credit cards. That leaves cash/checks/gift cards(that are not purchased with a credit card), etc. With these, the temptations are strong because it's goods in hand for no services. This is different from having a credit card on file with a business that will charge a NC/NS fee if someone goes MIA.

When it comes to clients reliability, the same can also be said for those who have a social media presence. I'm sure it's a much smaller group but could also be used to form a credible method of accountability. It's no guarantee of anything but it's better than absolutely nothing.

Bottom line, there is no right or wrong but each individual needs to know and understand the risks of putting out to much personal information and handing out unsecured funds for expected services based on the honor system.

I am almost certain if the roles were reversed, were clients were asking for and getting providers personal information/deposits, that would not go over well. It could also come with serious consequences for them.

I don't care who the provider is or how good their reputation is, I will never give anyone an advance deposit. I've never done it and I never will.

I am almost certain if the roles were reversed, were clients were asking for and getting providers personal information/deposits, that would not go over well. It could also come with serious consequences for them. Originally Posted by swtslnce

Give me your drivers license and bbbj, then I’ll decide if I want to do an hour.

I don't care who the provider is or how good their reputation is, I will never give anyone an advance deposit. I've never done it and I never will. Originally Posted by Big Stig

This.

I will add in that unless I already know the girl pretty well or she is very established and I can find no hint of shady shit I won’t even pay until the session is over.

You fellas know who was 100% legit and well established?

Jesse.

Your examples are established businesses with consequences if they "No Show" you. Could you imagine if your hairstylist charged your card for not giving you a haircut? How many times would you go back to that hairstylist? Originally Posted by yinzerpgh

Exactly.

Now, for purposes of discussion, let's assume that place of business is discovered doing something on the side that doesn't follow within the established laws.

Guess what? Your now involved because you had a credit card on file with them. It traces right back to the original person. Not saying anything would come of it.... but?!

You fellas know who was 100% legit and well established?

Jesse. Originally Posted by AmishGangster

At least with my dealings, there were a few from my experiences who were honest with me. The one that stands out the most was no1soccermom.