In the world of escorting, not every client will respect your boundaries, safety, or professionalism. While many clients are respectful, some may exhibit warning signs that could indicate potential trouble. At Intimate Link, we want to help sex workers stay safe by recognising red flags and avoiding risky encounters.
This guide will help you identify concerning behaviours and provide strategies to protect yourself from dangerous clients.
Why Recognising Red Flags is Important
Being able to spot warning signs early can:
- Reduce the risk of encountering abusive or dangerous clients.
- Help you make informed decisions about who you see.
- Save time and avoid unnecessary stress dealing with timewasters.
Many sex workers have experienced negative encounters that could have been avoided by recognising early warning signs. Trusting your instincts is key—if something feels off, it probably is.
Common Red Flags to Watch Out For
1. Refusing to Respect Your Boundaries
- Ignores your service list and asks for services you don’t provide.
- Tries to convince you to engage in unsafe practices, such as not using protection.
- Pressures you to lower your rates or negotiate prices.
- Asks intrusive personal questions or demands details about your private life.
Why This is a Problem: A respectful client will acknowledge your limits and not push for more. If someone continuously ignores your boundaries, they may try to manipulate or control you.
2. Unwillingness to Provide Basic Information
- Refuses to share their name, contact details, or any screening information.
- Avoids answering questions about their expectations for the booking.
- Wants to meet immediately without discussing details in advance.
Why This is a Problem: Clients who are secretive or vague may be hiding something, such as a history of mistreating sex workers. Always screen clients before agreeing to a booking.
3. Aggressive or Rude Behaviour
- Uses disrespectful language in messages or calls.
- Acts entitled and expects you to be available at their convenience.
- Becomes rude or argumentative when you enforce your rules.
Why This is a Problem: If a client is aggressive before the booking, they are unlikely to be any better in person. Respectful clients will treat you with professionalism from the start.
4. Pressuring for Last-Minute or Unplanned Meetings
- Wants to meet immediately without pre-booking.
- Insists on seeing you outside your usual working hours.
- Asks for discounts or free extras in exchange for a quick booking.
Why This is a Problem: Last-minute requests often come from timewasters or clients who don’t respect your schedule. Stick to your availability and avoid those who try to pressure you.
5. Requesting Risky or Unsafe Services
- Asks for unprotected services.
- Pressures you to engage in acts you are uncomfortable with.
- Mentions “no limits” or refuses to respect your terms.
Why This is a Problem: Safety should always come first. A client who dismisses your safety concerns is not someone you should meet.
6. Reluctance to Pay Upfront
- Tries to negotiate the price after agreeing on a rate.
- Asks to pay after the booking instead of upfront.
- Offers “exposure” or non-monetary compensation instead of cash.
Why This is a Problem: Professional clients understand that payment is required before services begin. If they hesitate to pay, they may be planning to scam you.
7. Disrespecting Your Time
- Arrives late or cancels repeatedly without notice.
- Wastes time during the booking and refuses to leave when the time is up.
- Books an appointment and then disappears or blocks you.
Why This is a Problem: Timewasters are frustrating and can affect your earnings. Setting strict booking policies helps prevent this.
8. Strange or Suspicious Behaviour
- Acts overly secretive or paranoid.
- Tries to rush into a booking without discussing details.
- Changes their story or provides inconsistent information.
Why This is a Problem: If a client’s behaviour seems odd or inconsistent, they could be hiding something. Always trust your instincts.
How to Protect Yourself from Bad Clients
1. Use a Screening Process
Before meeting a client, ask for:
- Their full name and phone number.
- References from other escorts (if possible).
- A video call or voice confirmation to verify their identity.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
- Be firm about your rates and services.
- Never feel pressured to agree to something that makes you uncomfortable.
- Block and blacklist any client who refuses to respect your rules.
3. Share Your Location with Someone You Trust
- Let a friend or colleague know where you are during bookings.
- Use live location-sharing apps for added security.
4. Trust Your Gut
- If something doesn’t feel right, do not go through with the booking.
- Never ignore your instincts, even if a client seems polite at first.
5. Report Dangerous Clients
- Use platforms like ClientEye to warn others about bad clients.
- If you experience harassment or violence, consider reporting it to National Ugly Mugs (NUM) for support.
Your Safety Comes First
At Intimate Link, we encourage all sex workers to prioritise their safety. Recognising red flags can help you avoid dangerous situations and build a client base that is respectful and trustworthy.
For more safety advice, visit our Sex Worker Safety Hub.