Working as an escort can be financially rewarding, but it also comes with real risks. Whether you're new to the industry or have been doing this for years, safety isn't something you can afford to take lightly. Every client, every meeting, every message - each one carries potential danger. The good news? Most of those risks can be managed with simple, practical steps. You don't need fancy gear or a bodyguard. You need awareness, boundaries, and a plan.
Screen Clients Before You Agree to Meet
Never skip screening. It’s not about being paranoid - it’s about survival. Start by asking for a clear photo of the client. Not a selfie from five years ago. A recent photo with their face clearly visible. If they refuse, walk away. No exceptions.
Ask for their full name and check it against the AdultWork profile. If they’re a new user with no reviews, treat them like a red flag until proven otherwise. Look at their history: Do they have multiple bookings with different escorts? Are they asking for unusual services right away? Are they pushing for a meet without a video call first? These aren’t just weird behaviors - they’re warning signs.
Use a video call before agreeing to anything. It doesn’t have to be long. Five minutes is enough. See their eyes. Hear their voice. Watch how they react when you set boundaries. If they get aggressive, dismissive, or try to pressure you, end the call. Save the chat. Block them. Don’t look back.
Always Tell Someone Where You’re Going
Before every appointment, send a trusted friend or colleague the client’s name, the address, the time you’re arriving, and the time you expect to leave. Use a simple message: “Meeting John at 123 Maple St. Leaving by 10 PM.” Set a timer on your phone for 15 minutes before your expected return. If you don’t check in by then, they call the police. No questions. No hesitation.
Some escorts use apps like Guardly or SafeTrek to send live location updates. These tools let you trigger an alert with one tap if something feels off. Even if you don’t use an app, a simple text thread with a friend works. The goal isn’t to be watched - it’s to have someone who can act if you can’t.
Meet in Public First - Even If They Say They’re Willing to Pay More
Never go straight to a hotel or private home on the first meeting. Always start in a public place: a coffee shop, a hotel lobby, or a quiet bar with good lighting and cameras. You don’t have to do anything intimate. Just meet. See how they behave. Are they calm? Respectful? Or do they try to rush you, touch you, or make you feel uncomfortable?
Some clients will say, “I’ll pay double if we go to my place.” That’s a classic tactic. Don’t fall for it. If they’re willing to pay more to get you alone, they’re already thinking about control - not connection. Walk away. There are plenty of clients who respect boundaries. You don’t need the ones who don’t.
Carry a Phone That Works - And a Backup
Your phone is your lifeline. Make sure it’s charged, unlocked, and has signal before you leave. Carry a portable charger. Put it in your bag, not your pocket. If you’re meeting someone in a remote area, turn on location sharing and keep your phone on silent mode - but don’t turn it off.
Have a backup phone. It doesn’t have to be expensive. An old Android or iPhone with a prepaid SIM card works. Keep it in a separate bag or hidden in your shoe. If your main phone is taken, confiscated, or damaged, you still have a way to call for help. Keep emergency numbers saved: local police, a trusted friend, and a safety hotline.
Know Your Legal Rights - And Where to Get Help
In the UK, sex work between consenting adults is not illegal. But soliciting in public, operating a brothel, or paying for sex with someone under 18 are. Know the difference. If you’re working independently from your own home or a hotel room, you’re generally within the law.
If you’re threatened, harassed, or assaulted, call 999 immediately. You don’t need to explain your job. You don’t need to apologize. You’re a victim. The police are there to protect you. Many UK police forces have trained units for sex workers. Ask for the Sexual Offences Team if you’re uncomfortable speaking to a general officer.
Organizations like SWARM and UKSW offer free legal advice, emotional support, and safety planning for escorts. You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out before you need help - not after.
Trust Your Gut - Every Time
You’ve felt it before. That little chill down your spine. The sudden silence in your head. The feeling that something’s not right - even if you can’t explain why. That’s your body telling you something’s off. Don’t ignore it.
Too many escorts have been hurt because they stayed because they didn’t want to lose money, or because they thought they could handle it. You can’t handle it if you’re scared. Walk out. Cancel the booking. Say you’re sick. Say you got a better offer. Say anything. Your safety is worth more than any payment.
There’s no shame in leaving. There’s no shame in saying no. The clients who respect you will understand. The ones who don’t? They’re not worth your peace of mind.
Set Clear Boundaries - And Stick to Them
Write down your hard limits. No anal. No drugs. No going to remote locations. No group sessions. No kissing. No photos. Whatever it is, write it. And never, ever bend it for money. If a client asks for something outside your limits, say no. Then block them.
Some clients will test you. They’ll say, “Everyone else does it.” That’s not your problem. You’re not here to compete. You’re here to stay safe and stay in control. Your boundaries aren’t negotiable. They’re your armor.
Use your profile to state your limits clearly. Don’t be vague. Say “No anal, no drugs, no outdoor locations.” This filters out the wrong clients before they even message you.
Keep Records - And Know When to Report
Save every message. Every booking confirmation. Every payment receipt. Even if it’s just a screenshot. If something goes wrong, you’ll need proof. Don’t rely on memory. Don’t delete anything.
If a client threatens you, steals from you, or tries to blackmail you, report it. Use the AdultWork reporting system. Contact local authorities. Tell your peers. You’re not snitching. You’re protecting others. The more people who know about a dangerous client, the safer everyone becomes.
Some escorts keep a private list of red-flag names and descriptions. Share it anonymously with trusted colleagues. A simple Google Doc or encrypted note app works. You’re not sharing gossip - you’re sharing survival intel.
Build a Support Network
You’re not alone. Even if it feels that way. There are other escorts in your city - maybe even on the same platform - who’ve been where you are. Reach out. Join a private Facebook group. Find a peer mentor. Talk to someone who understands what you’re going through.
Isolation is dangerous. It makes you more vulnerable to manipulation and abuse. When you have people who check in on you, you’re harder to target. And when something happens, you have people who will act.
You don’t need to be best friends with everyone. Just have one or two people you can text at 2 a.m. and know they’ll respond.
Review and Adjust - Safety Isn’t Static
Your safety plan isn’t a one-time thing. It needs to evolve. After every booking, ask yourself: Did anything feel off? Could I have handled it better? Did I compromise a boundary? What would I do differently next time?
Update your screening questions. Change your meeting spots. Try new apps. Learn from your experiences - and from others’. The best escorts aren’t the ones who never make mistakes. They’re the ones who learn from them.
Safety isn’t about perfection. It’s about consistency. It’s about showing up for yourself - even when you’re tired, even when you’re scared, even when you think you can handle it.
You deserve to work without fear. You deserve to be safe. And with these steps, you can be.
Is it safe to meet clients in my own home?
Meeting clients in your own home increases risk significantly. If you choose to do this, install security cameras, keep your door locked at all times, never let clients see your full address before the meeting, and always have a trusted person nearby. Never be alone in the house with a client unless you’re 100% certain of their intentions. Most experienced escorts avoid home meetings entirely for safety reasons.
What should I do if a client refuses to pay?
Never confront a client who refuses to pay. Stay calm. Let them leave. Then report them to AdultWork and block them immediately. Do not chase them, threaten them, or try to force payment. Your safety is more important than any amount of money. If you have proof of the booking and communication, file a report with the platform. Many platforms will ban users who refuse to pay or scam workers.
Can I work with a friend for safety?
Working with a trusted friend can improve safety - but only if both of you are clear on boundaries and procedures. Never share clients or combine bookings unless you’ve both agreed to it and understand the risks. One person should always handle communication, and both should have separate emergency plans. Avoid working with someone you don’t fully trust - it can create more danger than protection.
Should I use a pseudonym on AdultWork?
Yes. Always use a pseudonym. Never use your real name, address, or personal photos. Avoid posting anything that could link your escort work to your personal life - like your school, workplace, or family. Use a separate phone number and email. Protecting your identity isn’t just about privacy - it’s about keeping yourself safe from stalkers, ex-partners, or people who might try to harm you.
How do I know if a client is a police officer?
Police officers in the UK do not pose as clients to entrap sex workers - it’s illegal. If someone claims to be police, ask for their badge number and station. If they can’t provide it, they’re not real. If you’re ever unsure, end the interaction and report the profile. Real law enforcement does not contact escorts through adult work platforms. Trust your instincts - if something feels off, it probably is.
