Screening Customers

Whether emerging or experienced in the sex industry, you will have your own safety and screening strategies. Here are some reminders from sex workers across Canada.

These are safety and screening strategies for sex workers who advertise online and receive either email or telephone responses from clients. Conversely, when out on the stroll, other safety precautions are needed.

Over the Internet:

- Beware of cold-call responses from persons attempting to gain your personal information. Answer the emails that at least sound like they are written to request your services specifically.
- Register with an online local review board (like Canada Adult Fun or Pacific Review Board) – there you can chat about problem/dangerous dates and update your co-workers and yourself on important information. Some review boards have secure areas that dates don’t have access to.
- Good clients use respectful language and do not give long-winded speeches. They should have read your advertisement and generally do not need to communicate longer than it takes to book an appointment.
- Make sure you have a firewall and antivirus software on your computer. If you are working wireless, make sure it is secure/blocked from other users.

Over the Phone:

- Never take appointments from blocked/private/withheld numbers. These numbers can help you in the future to provide references or warnings for your colleagues.
- Listen to distinguishing vocal characteristics – do they have slurred speech or an accent?
- If the client is not polite to you over the phone, chances are he/she is not polite in person!
- Watch out for chat buddies – a good client will call, book the appointment, and maybe ask a few questions, rather than try to have a date over the phone for free. The appointment booking should only take a couple of minutes
- Ask what the client is looking for to find out their response – that way you’ll know what they are expecting and can either come prepared, or avoid them altogether. Sometimes these conversations can lead your client to reveal more about themselves.

On the Stroll:

- Read the Bad Date Sheet (see below on how to get one).
- Dress your best and for the weather; pay special attention that you have comfortable footwear.
- Avoid wearing things around your neck that you could be strangled with.
- Carry a whistle as opposed to a weapon; weapons can be used against you and a whistle will get someone’s attention.
- Bring a charged cell phone; even if you don’t have a plan or minutes, you can call 9-1-1.
- Try to have a spotter or work with friends. They can help to write down or remember details like make of car or license plate numbers. Record these if alone.
- Ensure the client is alone in the vehicle and avoid vehicles where a predator may be hiding (ie. Vans with side paneling or tinting where you can’t see inside).
- Try to assess the date’s mental state and level of sobriety before getting in: is he drunk, high on drugs or agitated?
- If possible, choose an area you are familiar with to take the date.

In General:
- Get referrals from co-workers and trustworthy people.
- Observe as many details about your client as you can: height, weight, build, distinguishing features, description of vehicle, license plate numbers, etc.
- Use your gut; intuition is a powerful tool.
- If your date offers to pay you too well, it is likely too good to be true.
- Inform your date that someone knows where you are and that they are expecting you back; if possible phone a trusted person in front of your date to inform them of your whereabouts and details about the date.

Some of these tips were compiled from Trade Secrets Blog at http://tradesecretsguide.blogspot.com/2009/11/screening-customers.html

Bad Date Reporting

Shift creates and circulates the Bad Date Sheet on a monthly basis. You can obtain a current bad date from our website at http://shiftcalgary.org/Resources.html or from Safeworks, EXIT Outreach, the Calgary Sexual Health Centre and the Calgary Drop-In and Rehab Centre.

If you or someone you know has had a bad date, there is help available. You can contact the Shift Program by phone at 403-237-8171 or by email at info@shiftcalgary.org. There are other agencies that offer 24 hour support and information:

Calgary Communities Against Sexual Abuse (or CCASA) 403 237 5888
The Distress Centre 403 266 1605
Calgary Police Service Non Emergency Line 403 266 1234
Emergency Services 911

You may anonymously report using our form available here: http://shiftcalgary.org/Bad_Date_Reporting_Form.html