Working as an escort isn’t just about meeting people-it’s about staying safe while doing it. Every year, reports surface of escorts facing violence, scams, or exploitation. Many of these incidents happen because basic safety steps were skipped. The truth? Safety isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of every successful, long-term escort career. Whether you’re new or have been doing this for years, if you’re not treating safety like a non-negotiable rule, you’re playing with fire.
Screen Clients Before You Agree to Meet
Never take a client you haven’t vetted. This isn’t about being picky-it’s about survival. Start by asking for full names, not just first names or nicknames. A real client will give you their legal name. If they refuse, walk away. Use free tools like reverse phone lookups or social media searches. Type their name and phone number into Google. If nothing comes up, that’s a red flag. Real people have digital footprints. Ghosts don’t.
Ask for a video call before the meeting. It doesn’t have to be long. Just 30 seconds to confirm they’re who they say they are. If they say no, or make excuses like “I don’t like cameras,” that’s not a dealbreaker-it’s a warning sign. Scammers and predators avoid video because they’re hiding something. Don’t let guilt or fear of losing income make you ignore that.
Always Use a Safety Network
You should never go to a client’s place-or even a hotel-without telling someone where you’re going. That someone needs to be someone you trust. It could be a friend, a roommate, or even another escort. Give them:
- The client’s full name (if you have it)
- The exact address or hotel name
- The time you’re arriving and when you expect to leave
- Your phone number and the client’s number
Set up a check-in system. For example: “If I don’t text you by 11 PM, call the police.” Use a timer app or a simple alarm to remind yourself to send the check-in. Some escorts use apps like Escort Safety or SafetyNet-free tools that send automatic alerts if you don’t confirm you’re okay within a set time. These aren’t fancy gadgets. They’re lifelines.
Meet in Public First-Every Time
Never skip the meet-up in public. Even if the client says they’re “just checking you out,” insist on it. Coffee shops, quiet bars, or even a 24-hour diner work. You’re not there to have sex-you’re there to see if they’re safe. Look for signs: Are they nervous? Do they keep looking around? Are they asking too many personal questions? Are they trying to rush you into their car? These aren’t just red flags-they’re danger signals.
Bring your own transport. Don’t let a client pick you up. Don’t let them drive you. If they offer, say no. If they get angry, that’s your cue to leave. You don’t owe anyone your safety. You don’t owe them a second chance if they’re pushy. Walk away. No apology needed.
Carry a Personal Alarm and a Phone You Can Trust
Keep your phone charged and unlocked. Put your emergency contact on speed dial. Save it as “ICE” (In Case of Emergency). Put your local police number in there too. Don’t rely on your phone being silent. If you feel unsafe, call 911-even if you don’t say anything. The dispatcher can trace your location. You don’t need to speak. Just press the button.
Carry a personal alarm. They cost less than $15. Clip one to your bag or belt. If things go wrong, you can scream and activate it at the same time. The high-pitched sound can scare off an attacker and draw attention. Don’t wait until you’re cornered to use it. Use it the second you feel uneasy. That’s not overreacting. That’s smart.
Know Your Legal Rights-And When to Walk Away
In Canada, sex work is legal, but many activities around it are not. You can’t advertise openly. You can’t work from a brothel. But you can work independently, as long as you’re not being exploited. That means you have the right to say no-anytime, for any reason. You don’t need to explain yourself. You don’t need to apologize.
If a client tries to change the terms after you arrive-“I thought we were doing more,” “I don’t want to pay the full amount,” “Let’s go somewhere else”-you have the right to leave. Take your money and walk out. Call your safety contact. Report it if you feel unsafe. You’re not breaking the law. You’re protecting yourself.
Trust Your Gut-Every Single Time
Your instincts are your best tool. If something feels off, it is. That’s not paranoia. That’s experience. You’ve probably felt this before: a client who seems too eager, too calm, too perfect. Or one who makes you feel small, nervous, or confused. That’s your body telling you something’s wrong.
Don’t ignore it because you need the money. Don’t rationalize it. Don’t think, “Maybe they’re just shy.” If you feel uneasy, leave. Even if you’ve already agreed to the meeting. Even if you’ve already gotten dressed. Even if you’re halfway there. Get out. Call someone. Take a cab. Go to a gas station. Stay until you feel safe again.
One escort in Toronto told me she once drove to a client’s house, parked outside, and just sat there for 20 minutes. She didn’t go in. She didn’t call him. She just drove home. The next day, she read a news story: the same man had assaulted two other women in the same building. She didn’t know it then-but her gut did.
Keep Records and Know Who to Call
Keep a simple log: date, client name (if known), location, payment amount, and any odd behavior. You don’t need a fancy app. A notes app on your phone works. If something bad happens, this log can help police or support groups. You’re not a criminal. You’re a survivor. And you deserve help.
If you’re ever in danger, call 911. If you need support without police involvement, contact Canadian Association of Sex Workers or Sex Workers Outreach Project (SWOP). They offer free legal advice, trauma counseling, and safety planning. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Don’t Let Shame Silence You
Too many escorts stay quiet after a bad experience because they’re afraid of judgment. That’s how predators keep working. You’re not weak for needing help. You’re not broken for saying no. You’re not stupid for trusting someone who turned out to be dangerous. Predators target people who are kind, trusting, and hardworking. That’s why you’re a target. Not because you did anything wrong.
Speak up. Tell someone. Report it. Even if you think no one will believe you. Even if you think it’s “not that bad.” It matters. Your voice helps protect others. And you deserve to feel safe doing this work.
Final Rule: Your Safety Comes First-Always
There’s no job, no client, no amount of money that’s worth your life. You don’t need to be brave. You don’t need to be tough. You just need to be smart. And smart people walk away. Smart people say no. Smart people call for help. Smart people live to work another day.
If you remember nothing else from this, remember this: If you feel unsafe, leave. No explanation. No guilt. No apology. Just go. And then call someone. You’re not alone. And you’re not disposable.
Is it safe to meet clients at hotels?
Hotels can be safer than private homes because they have security cameras, front desk staff, and emergency buttons. But only if you choose wisely. Book under your own name. Use a well-known chain. Avoid small, independent motels. Always tell your safety contact your room number and check-in time. Never let a client check you in or pay for the room. Pay with your own card. If the front desk asks if you’re alone, say yes-even if they’re just being polite. It keeps you in control.
What should I do if a client refuses to pay?
Don’t argue. Don’t threaten. Don’t try to force them. Get your things and leave immediately. Call your safety contact. If you have proof of the agreed price (text messages, email, or a signed agreement), you can report it to the Canadian Association of Sex Workers. They can help you file a civil claim if needed. But your priority is getting out safely. Money can be replaced. Your safety can’t.
Can I use dating apps to find clients?
It’s risky. Apps like Tinder, Bumble, or Grindr aren’t designed for sex work. They’re full of scammers, catfish, and people looking to trap or exploit. If you do use them, never share your real name, location, or workplace. Use a burner phone number. Never agree to meet without a video call first. And never go to their place. Always meet in public. Even then, be cautious. Many escorts have been targeted through these apps. The safest route is still using vetted escort platforms or referrals from trusted peers.
How do I know if a client is a cop?
In Canada, police can’t arrest you for selling sex-but they can arrest you for advertising it or operating in a brothel. If someone asks for your ID, they’re not a cop. Cops don’t ask for ID from escorts. They don’t need to. If someone says they’re police and asks you to show ID, walk away. They’re not real. Real police don’t approach you like that. If you’re ever unsure, call 911 and ask them to verify if someone claiming to be an officer is legitimate. Never let someone intimidate you into believing they’re law enforcement.
Should I share my real phone number with clients?
No. Use a separate burner phone or a VoIP number like Google Voice. This keeps your personal number private. If a client harasses you later, you can block the number without affecting your personal life. Also, never give out your home address, workplace, or social media. Keep your personal life completely separate from your work. It’s not paranoia-it’s protection.
