Client Screening 101 for a Safer Escort Job
Working as an escort doesn’t mean you have to take risks. The biggest mistake new escorts make is thinking that being polite or accommodating means saying yes to everyone. That’s not safety-that’s vulnerability. Real safety starts before the client even walks in the door. It starts with screening.
Why Screening Isn’t Optional
Every escort who’s been in the game for more than a year has a story about a client who seemed fine until they weren’t. Maybe it was a guy who showed up drunk. Maybe it was someone who tried to record without asking. Or worse-someone who turned aggressive after payment. These aren’t rare cases. They’re preventable.
Screening isn’t about being suspicious. It’s about being smart. It’s about filtering out the people who don’t respect boundaries before they ever get close to you. You’re not turning away clients-you’re protecting your peace, your body, and your future.
The Three-Step Screening Process
Here’s how real professionals screen clients. It’s simple, repeatable, and works whether you’re meeting in a hotel, your place, or a private apartment.
- Check their profile-Look at their AdultWork listing. Do they have photos? Are they verified? Have they been around for more than six months? New profiles with no history or just one photo are red flags. Real clients build a reputation. Scammers don’t.
- Ask questions-Don’t just say yes to “What services do you offer?” Ask them: “Have you booked with escorts before?”, “What are you looking for tonight?”, “Do you have any health updates or STI tests you can share?”. Their answers tell you everything. Vague answers? Red flag. Pushy questions about drugs or video? Walk away.
- Do a voice or video call-Before agreeing to meet, insist on a 30-second video call. No excuses. Use WhatsApp, Signal, or FaceTime. You’re not being rude-you’re checking for consistency. Does their voice match their profile? Are they calm or overly nervous? Are they in a room that looks like a hotel? Or a basement with no windows? Trust your gut. If something feels off, it is.
That’s it. Three steps. Takes five minutes. Could save your life.
Red Flags You Can’t Ignore
Some warning signs are obvious. Others sneak up on you. Here’s what to watch for:
- They refuse to show ID or give their real name-even a first name.
- They want to meet at a public place like a café or park. Real clients don’t do that. They know it’s not safe for you.
- They ask for discounts, extra services, or “just one more thing” after payment.
- They talk about being “in law enforcement” or “checking on you.” That’s not a compliment. It’s a threat.
- They mention other escorts by name. That’s gossip, not interest. It’s a sign they’re not serious about you.
- They send messages late at night, with typos, in all caps, or with emojis that feel off-like a lot of 😈 or 🔥. That’s not charm. That’s desperation.
One escort I know in Brighton turned down a client who said, “I’m not like the others-I just want to talk.” She said yes anyway. He showed up with a hidden camera. She reported him. He was banned from AdultWork within 48 hours. She didn’t lose money. She didn’t lose sleep. She just said no.
How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty
You don’t owe anyone your time. You don’t owe anyone your body. You don’t owe anyone an explanation beyond “I’m not available.”
Here are phrases that work:
- “I’m sorry, I’m not taking new clients right now.”
- “I don’t meet people without a video call first.”
- “I only work with verified profiles.”
- “I’m booked for the next two weeks.”
That’s it. No apologies. No over-explaining. No guilt. The right clients will respect your boundaries. The wrong ones will disappear.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
You don’t have to do this alone. There are tools that make screening easier:
- AdultWork’s built-in verification-Only message clients with the green checkmark. That’s not a perk-it’s a filter.
- Google reverse image search-Copy and paste their profile photo into Google Images. If it shows up on a dating site or a porn forum, walk away.
- WhatsApp’s read receipts-If they block you after you ask for a video call, that’s a red flag. Don’t chase them.
- Location sharing with a friend-Before every meeting, text a friend your location and the client’s name. Set a timer for 30 minutes. If you don’t check in, they call the police.
One escort in Manchester uses a free app called SafeWalk. It shares her live location with two trusted contacts. She says it’s the reason she sleeps better at night.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
Even with screening, things can go sideways. If you feel unsafe during a meeting:
- End it immediately. Don’t wait for it to get worse.
- Leave the location. Don’t argue. Don’t explain. Just walk out.
- Call someone you trust. Don’t text. Call.
- Report the client on AdultWork. Include their name, phone number, and what happened.
- Save any messages, photos, or recordings. Even if you don’t report to police, you might need them later.
You are not responsible for their behavior. You are responsible for your safety. And that means acting fast when something feels wrong.
Screening Is a Skill-And It Gets Better
The first time you screen a client, it feels awkward. You’ll second-guess yourself. You’ll worry you’re being too harsh. That’s normal. But here’s the truth: the more you screen, the easier it gets. And the more clients you turn away, the more you attract the ones who are respectful, calm, and clear about what they want.
Screening isn’t about being cold. It’s about being consistent. It’s about building a reputation as someone who knows their worth. And when you do that, you don’t just stay safe-you thrive.
There are thousands of escorts in the UK who work safely because they screened before they met. You can be one of them.
Do I really need to screen every client, even if they seem nice?
Yes. Nice doesn’t mean safe. Some of the most dangerous clients are the ones who are polite, charming, and seem like they’ve been doing this for years. Screening isn’t about judging character-it’s about verifying behavior. Always check their profile, ask questions, and do a video call. No exceptions.
What if a client says screening is rude or creepy?
If a client says screening is rude, they’re not the right client. Real clients understand that safety is non-negotiable. They’ve been screened before. They know how it works. Anyone who gets upset about a 30-second video call or asking for their real name isn’t looking for a professional experience-they’re looking for someone to take advantage of. Walk away. There are plenty of clients who respect boundaries.
Can I screen clients without using video calls?
Video calls are the gold standard. But if you’re uncomfortable with video, use voice calls instead. Listen for background noise-do they sound like they’re in a quiet room, or is there traffic, kids, or TV? Are they calm or overly excited? Are they answering slowly, like they’re reading from a script? Voice calls still give you clues. But never skip this step. Text-only screening is not enough.
Should I share my real name with clients?
No. Use a professional name or nickname. Your real name, address, phone number, and social media should stay private. If a client asks for your personal info, say, “I keep my personal life separate from my work.” That’s not rude-it’s professional. Real clients don’t need your life details. They just want a service.
How do I report a bad client on AdultWork?
Log into your AdultWork account, go to the client’s profile, and click “Report.” Choose the reason-like “Suspicious behavior,” “Attempted recording,” or “Aggressive.” Include details: date, time, what happened, and any messages or photos. The site team reviews reports daily. If enough escorts report the same person, they’re banned. Reporting protects not just you-it protects everyone else.