Forum - BEWARE of Craigslist

I just found this in the news....

Teen Accused of Craigslist Escort Service

Oh yeah police are well known to use CL for thier hunting grounds.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=2411755


LEVITTOWN, Pa. Sep 8, 2006 (AP)— Police in Bucks County have charged 12 women after an investigation into prostitutes who allegedly have been advertising on the free classified Web site Craigslist.

After Bensalem police received a tip in August about alleged prostitutes advertising on the site, investigators called cell phone numbers in local listings that advertised "GFEs" girlfriend experiences asking for payment in "ro$e$" or "125 donations."

The undercover investigators agreed to meet the women at motels on Lincoln Highway. Almost all of the 12 women were arrested within two minutes, he said.

Several of the women who were arrested had brought along their boyfriends, and five men were arrested on drug charges, police said.

"They would meet us under a tree if that's what we wanted," Bensalem public safety director Fred Harran said. "They are blatantly taking advantage of technology to solicit their acts and we are going to use technology to arrest them."

Similar sting operations have led to prostitution charges against women in states including Maryland, New York, Oregon and New Hampshire.

Craigslist spokeswoman Sue MacTavish Best said the site cooperates with law enforcement and has a flagging system that allows users to bring prohibited content to the company's attention so it can be removed.

"Prostitution is not allowed on Craigslist … any more than tax fraud is allowed by the IRS or speeding by the police," she said, calling the line between a legal escort ad and a prostitution ad "gray."

The Internet site based in San Francisco is a popular place to post mostly free ads for everything from trips, tools, athletic equipment to other household goods. The site also features places to post opinions.


Information from: Bucks County Courier Times, http://www.phillyburbs.com

I knew it !! This one site that I advertise on says "Put up a free ad on craigs list" I knew that was bullshit and a set up considering that's not what craigs list is about.You just cant trust anybody these days lmao.

I use Craigslist all the time or I would starve.....but the LE are all over that is for sure. Last week I ended up having to go get one of my clients out of jail cause they were running a girl sting on craigslist. Funny thing is that here inVegas, we have girls working streets, and casino bars.....why go after us that stay at home and out of site???

Amen Carla ! I think there is a huge difference between the random posts on CL and the craigslistgirls dot com part .
-Layla

Not sure if this helps anyone or even how much truth there is too it...but I been told that a LE or undercover even is not allowed to even send a nude self photo of themselves on the internet..so if you request a photo like that and they do not send one i would say a gray area..if they say they do not have one then make them strip down to there birthday suit before you do or say anything about money..if they can't do this then they are definitely LE...
Hugs and Kisses
Simply Sexy

LE has no right to enter your home unless they have "reasonable cause" that a felony is or is about to be comitted. They will lie to you about every thing so never say any thing other than to identify your self and ask for an attorney. Once you say that they can not legally speak to you and you do not have to answer any more questions.
I agree with Simply Sexy, if you supspect them, do have them strip down. It's a sure way to check for a wire. I know there's a few AH LE that I'd like to do a cavity search on, with a base ball bat.

I have a good friend who was just recently charged of soliciting prostitution on craigslist, I wouldn't personally take such a chance.

Here is another recent article regarding CL

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/05/nyregion/05craigslist.html?pagewanted=1&ei=5087%0A&em&en=d17d5da8d5ec195b&ex=1189224000&exprod=myyahoo

I agree that with all that is happening in the world, this is a terrible waste of resources, not to mention oppression.

I also see that some of the gals who advertise on CL are pretty blatent about services they advertise as well as putting nude photos of themselves. They might as well put a sticker on themselves that says, "Arrest me" "Roses" and "disclaimers" alone aren't going to cut it.

I've not been in this game very long, but one of the rules I have learned is not to mention specific "services" Also, if a guy responds wanting this or that specific service, I'm very cautious about how I respond emphasising that it is my TIME that they are purchasing, NOT any specific services.

There is a dance we have to do and game we have to play and till both client and escort feel safe with one another to proceed further which has much to do with the language we use. Admittedly, we take a risk each time. However, let's try to minimize the risk by watching our language and how we present ourselves in initial encounters.

Probably preaching to the choir as many on this board already know this. I wish there was some way to start a support network and mentoring for newbies. I'd like to warn some of the gals who are posting more blatent ads, but don't because they may be stings.

Be safe ya'll!

Take care,
Leslie Layne

Actually not only craiglist but all escort websites are monitored by LE.
When they need to improve their record they make a sweep and arrest some providers or extort money and free services. In some cities some undercover agent actually can receive full service and keep gathering more evidence. All this is paid with tax money.
When journalist expose these instances, some cop get transferred or discharged and after all is forgotten, the cycle starts all over.

I have avoided Craigslist like the bubonic plague ever since both my driver and another escort warned me that CL is crawling with LE's. Now I get most of my clients from sites like this or through my own website.

Usually if they start asking too many questions (especially about "full service") and other things about being hesitant to leave a contact number (which is one of my requirements), a few red flags go up.

A new reason to avoid Craigslist.

San Francisco Chronicle 31 Oct 2007.

Teen Charged in babysitter-job killing

MINNEAPOLIS

A 19-yr old man was charged with second degree murder Tusedy in the killing of a woman who answered an ad on Craigslist for a babysitter.

Olson had gone to Anderson's home Thursday to inquire about a babysitting job she had seen advertised on the popular Internet bulletin board, authorties said.

Well, now it seem that Craigslist is not only helping LE with stings but they are getting people killed, as well.

If this isn't a reason to drop this list I don't know what it.

really,oh my gosh..i need to remove my ads on CL...

Just this week, police say they busted a cyber pimp -- 42 year old Joseph Dean Faulkenberg of Louisville. According to a police report obtained by WAVE 3, Faulkenberg posted several of ads for his service on Craigslist. Police say he took one of his girls to the Holiday Inn on Gardiner Lane -- right next to YUM headquarters -- for an appointment. It turned out to be a date with an undercover officer.

Detectives showed us some ads on the site. One is from a girl who says her name is Melina, but investigators say she's actually 19 year old Tawny Badder. She was cited for prostitution last month. Another listed her name as Jewel offering massages. Police say her real name is Kacey Newton and she too was cited last month for soliciting sex. Investigators say while some girls claim to be escorts, they actually use codes to advertise what's really for sale.

http://www.wave3.com/global/story.asp?s=7328678

This news article re-emphasizes three very key points for escorts and hobbyists:

1. LE responds to complaints


Anyone can submit an anonymous complaint or tip. It could be John Q. Public or a competitor (individual or agency), disgruntled client or a morality crusader. I think that Craigslist has become the virtual 'red light district' for street prostitutes. Craigslist does not ban advertising for adult services probably because much of their site traffic is the result of such advertising.

2. Soliciting Sex is Illegal (in US)


In the US, never ever participate in a discussion of sex for money. That will get you busted whether you are a provider or hobbyist, if you do it in the presence of LE. (Note that the laws in Canada are different on this point. See this article.)

3. Escorting is Legal


You heard it from LE itself ... Escorting IS LEGAL.