Fake pics - who cares and how much?

[LaffingBear]

Certainly phony and hijacked photos are not a new topic here. And the practice is fairly common.

1. Do you think a model or bodybuilder cares about his pics being hijacked? Or do they probably just think it comes with the territory?
   
2. Have you/would you ever report fake use of photos to the genuine subject?
   
3. We report fake pics here in the forum, and to the review site. Have you/would you ever report it to the advertising site? (I thought I saw a link for reporting fake pics on RentMen, but cant find it.)
   

The ad-site reviews are pointless. I recently saw M4RN reviews for a guy I know to be using fake pics - the review indicating he didn't match photos. A few days later, that review is gone.

 

Mostly, as a client, I just feel its so prevalent, nothing I do would make a difference. And, I dont want to invest the the time & energy - better to just move on. Yet, I've had a couple of experiences with phony pic-users who were so brazen and unapologetic, it's tempting to try to find a way to stop them.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

In a fringe industry, people act in fringe ways.

 

If you want to spend all of your free time being the photo police, more power to you. My advice is use online reviews to both choose wisely and to warn others (in the event you had a less-than-ideal experience). RM might have issues with the validity of some of their reviews, but they also have a ton of legit submissions.

 

While Daddy's site is about as close to our industry Angie's List as it gets, crooks fall through the cracks. Use good judgement and if it looks a little too good to be true, well, you know the rest....

[+ poolboy48220]

While Daddy's site is about as close to our industry Angie's List as it gets

Better. The mostly highly-recommended house painter in my area, according to Angie's List, turned out to be so bizarre I didn't even consider him. I went with the painters who painted the neighbor's house, and the crew chief was this wonderful little bear, who worked shirtless a lot of the time.

[body2body]

I was recently viewing ads on Rent.Men and discovered a photo of a new listing in Phoenix that was stolen from an ad for an escort in London I had seen last year. I looked to see if the London escort was still posting and using that picture. He was. The photo was a professionally shot image, part of a series that probably cost the London guy a fair piece of change to have shot. It struck me as unfair so I took a moment to contact the Rent.Men staff and brought this to their attention. They replied the following day that they had removed the stolen image from the Phoenix escort's profile.

 

My feeling about this issue has always been that is someone is dishonest enough to use fake pics, then they are probably not trustworthy. I don't care how much they look like the borrowed/stolen image. In this era when one one only has to take out one's cell phone to take a self-portrait, there is simply no excuse for this. I have never done photo searches as other forum members do, but I appreciate their efforts.

[+ nycman]

I care.....a lot.

 

It's just dishonest. Sure sometimes (rarely) the guy looks very much

like the stolen pics....to the point that it's almost hard to tell. But still,

it's dishonest and I feel like was subjected to a bait and switch. I don't

rehire...even if he's damn close and I had a good time. It's the principle.

 

Don't look anything like the stolen pics?....I just walk away as soon as

the door opens.

[marylander1940]

In a fringe industry, people act in fringe ways.

 

If you want to spend all of your free time being the photo police, more power to you. My advice is use online reviews to both choose wisely and to warn others (in the event you had a less-than-ideal experience). RM might have issues with the validity of some of their reviews, but they also have a ton of legit submissions.

 

While Daddy's site is about as close to our industry Angie's List as it gets, crooks fall through the cracks. Use good judgement and if it looks a little too good to be true, well, you know the rest....

 

and if you don't like what you see... just walk away.

[bigvalboy]

Better. The mostly highly-recommended house painter in my area, according to Angie's List, turned out to be so bizarre I didn't even consider him. I went with the painters who painted the neighbor's house, and the crew chief was this wonderful little bear, who worked shirtless a lot of the time.

 

+1

LOL...I stopped using Angie's list a long time ago. Flakes, no shows, exorbitant prices, shoddy work. I mostly do word of mouth and only hire those that come highly recommended by people I trust... well of course with the exception of my painter. I took one look and said "How soon can you start." Thank God he was amazing.

[+ bashful]

I care.....a lot.

 

It's just dishonest. Sure sometimes (rarely) the guy looks very much

like the stolen pics....to the point that it's almost hard to tell. But still,

it's dishonest and I feel like was subjected to a bait and switch. I don't

rehire...even if he's damn close and I had a good time. It's the principle.

 

Don't look anything like the stolen pics?....I just walk away as soon as

the door opens.

 

Agree. Dishonest.

 

Not concerning pictures, but I ran across an ad where the text of the ad was copied practically verbatim from another escort (whom I've met a couple of times). I emailed the link to the escort who was plagiarized. He emailed me back and said he reported it to RM, but the guy only changed the text a little.

[+ José Soplanucas]

I do care but it is not a deal breaker. I do not make appointments with unreviewed guys without a videoconference. If I like what I see, I do not mind whether or not he is using his pictures.

Indeed using someone else's pictures implies a certain degree of dishonesty. However, based in my experience, many times the motivation to not using his pictures is there than trying to mislead potential clients.

One of my former regulars, who I met many times and gave me tons of pleasure, used to have fake pics in his Adam profile. This is in the times before the prevalence of videoconferencing apps. Back then, I would not give my exact address to a guy I never met before and I would meet them in my block corner, to verify pictures and chemistry. This guy waited for me in his truck, I liked what I saw, and the universes collided.

I read about the friends who are "fundamentalists" of anything: anti tattoos, anti fake pictures, anti poor language in the profile, anti facial hair, etc; and I always wonder whether they are truly expressing their reality, or it is just some tough wording to express preferences. Because I do have some strong preferences, but they do not exclude anyone, as I believe attraction depends on a combination of many different details and circumstances.

[Rangar]

I think it's very dishonest. What we see is why we respond most of the time. Hear are my thoughts...

1. I think they would but I'm sure they know it comes with the territory? If they have a certain image they want to protect lets face it in the eyes of many there are 2 negatives here....Gay & Prostitution.
   
2. Not always but I have contacted the genuine subject if I find contact info and I am pretty certain its not them advertising or I am interested and still trying to find out if its them advertising. Depends on the mood I am in. Some don't respond but those that due have usually expressed gratitude. One even asked if I could help him get the ad taken down.
   
3. I reported a guy to Rentmen that was using the pics from a South American model or fitness pro who tragically died in a motorcycle accident within the previous year. I just thought that was completely disgusting. Amazingly enough Rentmen did the right thing because the ad was gone within a day.
   

I once responded to an ad with the pictures of this Beautiful Brazilian God. All my searches came up with nothing. I contacted the guy and he assured me he was the guy in the pictures. At the time I didn't always do this but I still had doubts so I asked if we could Facetime or Skype. He agreed and when he answered he was a young, slender good looking black guy. I basically said in a polite way WTF. He was equally as polite and gave what sounded like a plausible explanation. He said it was his friend, who also escorts, and they usually travel together but his friend didn't want to come on this trip. He said his friend gave him permission to use his pics. I told him he needs to tell his friend to come here sometime. He sent me some pictures and saw that he was advertising using his own pictures as well. I told him I would think about meeting him.

 

Later on I texted him. I just wanted to know WHY fake pictures and why potentially put himself in harms way like that. He was good looking with a nice body and nice cock in his own right and seemed to have a nice personality. I told him someday someone could show up expecting A and B opens the door and react violently. Not likely but still possible. Like someone once told me you never know how close somebody is to their edge. He said most guys still go through with it because they like what they see. I can certainly believe that some guys when horny AF don't care. That's why I think this practice will never be eradicated. Some guys justify this, me included, by saying it's easier, faster, you are getting what you want then going to a bar/club or online or whatever. I'm beginning to think is it really easier or faster? Are you getting what you want when you want A and B shows up

 

I care!! If I didn't already communicate with the guy I'm 100% certain I would not but if I did already establish a dialogue all I can say is it would depend. In this case I did not met him.

 

Honesty is a big thing for me. How do I know you're not going to rob me, hurt me or worse kill me because you already deceived me with fake pics. It says a lot about a person's character, professionalism and respect.

 

I saw his ad a couple times after but never his friends. Maybe he realized the potential danger he was putting himself in or didn't want to deceive anyone anymore. If anyone has a bridge they would like to sell me, PM me

[+ José Soplanucas]

I think it's very dishonest. What we see is why we respond most of the time. Hear are my thoughts...

1. I think they would but I'm sure they know it comes with the territory? If they have a certain image they want to protect lets face it in the eyes of many there are 2 negatives here....Gay & Prostitution.
   
2. Not always but I have contacted the genuine subject if I find contact info and I am pretty certain its not them advertising or I am interested and still trying to find out if its them advertising. Depends on the mood I am in. Some don't respond but those that due have usually expressed gratitude. One even asked if I could help him get the ad taken down.
   
3. I reported a guy to Rentmen that was using the pics from a South American model or fitness pro who tragically died in a motorcycle accident within the previous year. I just thought that was completely disgusting. Amazingly enough Rentmen did the right thing because the ad was gone within a day.
   

I once responded to an ad with the pictures of this Beautiful Brazilian God. All my searches came up with nothing. I contacted the guy and he assured me he was the guy in the pictures. At the time I didn't always do this but I still had doubts so I asked if we could Facetime or Skype. He agreed and when he answered he was a young, slender good looking black guy. I basically said in a polite way WTF. He was equally as polite and gave what sounded like a plausible explanation. He said it was his friend, who also escorts, and they usually travel together but his friend didn't want to come on this trip. He said his friend gave him permission to use his pics. I told him he needs to tell his friend to come here sometime. He sent me some pictures and saw that he was advertising using his own pictures as well. I told him I would think about meeting him.

 

Later on I texted him. I just wanted to know WHY fake pictures and why potentially put himself in harms way like that. He was good looking with a nice body and nice cock in his own right and seemed to have a nice personality. I told him someday someone could show up expecting A and B opens the door and react violently. Not likely but still possible. Like someone once told me you never know how close somebody is to their edge. He said most guys still go through with it because they like what they see. I can certainly believe that some guys when horny AF don't care. That's why I think this practice will never be eradicated. Some guys justify this, me included, by saying it's easier, faster, you are getting what you want then going to a bar/club or online or whatever. I'm beginning to think is it really easier or faster? Are you getting what you want when you want A and B shows up

 

I care!! If I didn't already communicate with the guy I'm 100% certain I would not but if I did already establish a dialogue all I can say is it would depend. In this case I did not met him.

 

Honesty is a big thing for me. How do I know you're not going to rob me, hurt me or worse kill me because you already deceived me with fake pics. It says a lot about a person's character, professionalism and respect.

 

I saw his ad a couple times after but never his friends. Maybe he realized the potential danger he was putting himself in or didn't want to deceive anyone anymore. If anyone has a bridge they would like to sell me, PM me

 

 

When a client protect his privacy it is called good sense, but when an escort does it it is called dishonesty. Yes, there are scammers and criminals who use fake pics, but there are also scammers and criminals who post their actual photos. Many of the guys starting in the craft, very young and inexperienced, coming from a poverty background, have an irrational fear of advertising with their real pictures. When you meet them, they are smoking hot and horny freaks in the sack.

We just had a recent example of an escort using the pictures of a notorious porn star. The intention is not to deceive the clients (the guy is actually hotter than the pstar) but to protect his identity because he has an exclusivity arrangement with a sugar daddy. He is being dishonest with his sugar daddy, not with his clients.

Your experiences and my experiences are just anecdotal information, they do not allow us to make generalizations. Considering the specific circumstances to make a decision is in my opinion the best policy.

[rustyrex]

Using old pictures to me is just as bad. I contacted one guy from A4A and he admitted his pics were 5 years old. When I met him they pics seemed more like 15 years old. He was much older, in okay shape but most of all the advertising wasn't even close. First thing he said was, "don't touch my ass but you can put my dick where ever you want it." It's like shit, getting dick isn't an issue, getting to fuck a nice ass is. One guy had the nerve to say, "what makes you think I'm a bottom." He spanked my ass way too hard because he didn't like me touching his. I met one guy that used someone else's pics completely. I was all like, "I think I made a mistake, where is the guy in the picture?" When I told him he didn't look like the guy in the picture, he didn't say anything. Then I looked at the pics in his house and realized he was using pics of his ex, who was pretty hot. I was like "fuck it, I'll ride him till he breaks." The sex was pretty good too, but he looked nothing like the guy I thought I was contacting. I haven't had the heart to just walk away but as I think about things, if they are willing to lie with a pic they shouldn't be surprised if I turn and leave at the site of who they really are. Then again, it depends on how horny I really am

[rvwnsd]

I've contacted fitness models/bodybuilders, escorts, massage therapists, and even a guy whom I lusted after on bigmuscle.com when I found their pics to be used by someone else. All were very happy I alerted them to the issue.

[Rangar]

When a client protect his privacy it is called good sense, but when an escort does it it is called dishonesty.

 

I agree with most of what you say and respect everything you said. My intent wasn't to make generalizations but to express my opinion on the three questions you asked with the only assumption being fake photos. Nothing is absolute facts and circumstances vary in every case. I apologize if I didn't accomplish that for you or there were other facts you wanted considered.

 

I think there is a big difference between protecting ones privacy and using fake pictures. Fake pictures are dishonest, absent other facts and circumstances, regardless who is doing it. I did not in any way, shape, or form justify a client doing it. And if you decide to meet it makes for an awkward uncomfortable situation.

 

In regards to the examples you gave, unless the person has specific tatoos, piercings or markings can't headless photos be posted or pictures edited in way to protect the persons identity/privacy. Or what about the person stating something to the effect "Pictures attached are not me but very close /similar. I can explain if you decide to contact me". Yes it might be off putting to some potential clients but for me I don't think I would dismiss the ad immediately as fake and depending on other factors such as how the ad is written, how hot I think the guy is, and any other research I've done I would contact this person. I also might give extra credit for taking the risk and being honest upfront. I can't say for sure since I never encountered that situation

 

My general rule is, however, absent other facts or circumstances to justify the fake photos, I'm not using anymore of my time to pursue them. If I am possibly missing out on a hot encounter oh well that's my loss. Unfortunately I've been burned 1 too many times to take the risk. Lucky for me my part of the world is a big ocean. My opinion might be different if my situation were different. Again nothing is absolute and afterall it is a woman's prerogative to change her mind...LOL

 

I recently started a thread https://www.companyofmen.org/threads/funny-backpage-encounter.127199/ where I contacted someone using fake photos. The poster looked nothing like the photos he posted and then coped an attitude with me. That is my point of reference. I just noticed he posted the ad again today so I guess its working for him more power to him.

[Rangar]

Sorry latbear4blk you saw my thread and commented on it. Didn't mean to point out the obvious.

[LaffingBear]

Interesting responses...

 

I know clients care. I know honest escorts care. There's certainly been plenty of prior posts as to why it happens, whether its ok, etc.

 

Thank you to @Rangar for answering my questions.

1. Do you think a model or bodybuilder cares about his pics being hijacked? Or do they probably just think it comes with the territory?
   
2. Have you/would you ever report fake use of photos to the genuine subject?
   
3. We report fake pics here in the forum, and to the review site. Have you/would you ever report it to the advertising site? (I thought I saw a link for reporting fake pics on RentMen, but cant find it.)
   

 

I think it's very dishonest. What we see is why we respond most of the time. Hear are my thoughts...

1. I think they would but I'm sure they know it comes with the territory? If they have a certain image they want to protect lets face it in the eyes of many there are 2 negatives here....Gay & Prostitution.
   
2. Not always but I have contacted the genuine subject if I find contact info and I am pretty certain its not them advertising or I am interested and still trying to find out if its them advertising. Depends on the mood I am in. Some don't respond but those that due have usually expressed gratitude. One even asked if I could help him get the ad taken down.
   
3. I reported a guy to Rentmen that was using the pics from a South American model or fitness pro who tragically died in a motorcycle accident within the previous year. I just thought that was completely disgusting. Amazingly enough Rentmen did the right thing because the ad was gone within a day.
   

[Rangar]

I think the guys who are in the business for real, care about the service they provide, and the reputation they achieved are hurt the most. It ads an additional taint that isn't needed. And we the clients share the blame because some/alot let it go unchecked for whatever reason. Hell I used to be one of them. Before I found this site I only knew a couple of tools to verify an ad, gotten ripped off and did nothing. I'm not a confrontational person and some may say I am a wimp. Until one time I had enough and asked the person to leave. The dude pulled out a taser and threatened me until I paid. We agreed before he arrived that I could pay electronically (Lucky for me as you will see). As soon the money cleared and he accepted it it he left. I immediately called the electronic provider, explained that I was forced to make the payment and inquired if I could get my money back. Unfortunately since it was already accepted they couldn't give it back. Despite that they were very helpful and gave me information on other avenues I could pursue. One was calling my bank and asking them to do, I forget the correct term, but something like a charge back. They also suggested I file a Police report which I didn't want to do.

 

I contacted my bank and they told me what I need to do and I asked them if I need to file a police report. They said it would help. The next night I decided f-it its 2016/2017 I'm going to the Police. The bank subsequently denied my request and I was pissed I filed a police report because the Police told me that wouldn't get me my money back.

 

When I went to the Police I took the email address used to send the payment on the electronic site, a print out of our texts and other information I thought would help. I filed a report, they recorded my statement and they almost immediately had a suspect (the jackass used his real email address). They had me do a photo array which is similar to a lineup but with photos. I was able to pick the guy out from the photo array but it wasn't easy because they showed me like 10 photos and several guys looked similar. They said they would be issuing an arrest warrant within a few days and informed me what would happen next and on my way I went about 2-3 hours later.

 

A few days later I get a text from a number I didn't know asking if we could talk. It turned out to be him almost begging me to drop the charges. All I would say was give me money back and I'll think about. After a few shenanigans on his part I finally got my money back. In the electronic notification of payment he included wording that sounded like a contractual agreement that by me accepting the money I agreed to drop the charges. I wasn't sure but I accepted it anyway. I stopped responding to his texts and blocked his number. He later sent me a text from another number saying I played him. I didn't respond but wanted to say "you played yourself a-hole". I took all this additional information to the Police. A few days latter I got a phone call from the victims unit letting me know he was arrested and released on bail. I discovered he knew he was getting arrested because he was being contacted by lawyers offering their services. I'm not sure how the whole process works but I didn't drop the charges and the State or County took over the case. I eventually was called to meet with the DA and review my testimony prior to his scheduled hearing which I wasn't required to attend. A couple months went by and I got a phone call from the DA saying they wouldn't be pursuing the charges and the case was sent back to my town and my town would be contacting me. I eventually received a summons to appear from my town. When I went I met with the prosecutor and his Public Defender. The 1st thing they asked if I wanted to drop the charges. Since I was happy I got my money back and I wanted this to be over with I said yes. The funny not so funny thing is we entered the municipal complex at the same time. I don't know if he recognized me but I certainly didn't recognize him.

 

BTW the Police treated me with the utmost professionalism & respect. The night I filed the report when I left I thanked the Officers for not treating me like a bigger A-hole than I already felt. I'm glad I did what I did and have no regrets. I don't think he learned his lesson, however. I am pretty sure he his still posting ads with fake pictures. I think there is a group, gang if you will, that all work together and the sad part is I know some or maybe all are gay

[+ José Soplanucas]

In regards to the examples you gave, unless the person has specific tatoos, piercings or markings can't headless photos be posted or pictures edited in way to protect the persons identity/privacy.

 

THAT is exactly why I included the word "irrational" when I described their fear. I think the problem is that we naturally tend to project our outlook to others and to make it the standard for normality. Try to get in the shoes of many of these boys. Many are very young, many are not out, they probably live in a homophobic environment, many are ignorant and uneducated, many are not very smart. These circumstances combine in different ways, some may be present and some may not, but all these guys share one characteristic: the single idea of being caught gives them panic attacks. Imagine what reality is for these guys: retty different than what it is for you or for me.

 

Yes, there is a degree of dishonesty when they choose to use somebody else's pictures, but they do not make that decision out of dishonesty, they do not make that decision purposely trying to mislead the clients, they make it out of fear.

 

And this is not for you, but for those who think only through generalizations. I am not saying these examples explain every deceiver behavior. I am just warning against unfair and unempathetic generalizations.

 

Thank you for your thoughtful response.

[Populist Fury]

Sorry, but it's dishonest af to STEAL somebody else's pictures and use them as their own. It's called false advertisement. They're behaving like con artists when they do this, and it shouldn't be enabled by clients, period.

 

They can very easily blur their faces or crop them out entirely from their own pictures if they're fearful of being seen by anyone they don't want.

[+ José Soplanucas]

Sorry, but it's dishonest af to STEAL somebody else's pictures and use them as their own. It's called false advertisement. They're behaving like con artists when they do this, and it shouldn't be enabled by clients, period.

 

They can very easily blur their faces or crop them out entirely from their own pictures if they're fearful of being seen by anyone they don't want.

 

Considering the screen name you chose, I am not surprised at your lack of empathy to get in the shoes of some of the providers.

[Rangar]

Yes, there is a degree of dishonesty when they choose to use somebody else's pictures, but they do not make that decision out of dishonesty, they do not make that decision purposely trying to mislead the clients, they make it out of fear.

 

I totally get what you are saying and empathize with a person in that situation. That's why we have" justifiable homicide"...

 

The concept of justifiable homicide in criminal law stands on the

dividing line between an excuse, a justification, and an exculpation

. In certain circumstances,

homicide is justified when

it prevents greater harm to innocents.

Wikipedia

 

There are so many other factors that come into play such as

• Attitude
  
• Explanation if asked
  
• Sincerity
  
• Are accurate pictures provided when requested
  
• does the deceit come to an end
  
• etc
  

that generalizations shouldn't be made. Unfortunately most people I think do whatever checks they do before contacting the escort and if they find something wrong they are done. That's just the way it is and will remain so until something changes. Just as you stated "Certainly phony and hijacked photos are not a new topic here. And the practice is fairly common." A lot of people believe the sayings "Two wrongs don't make a right" and/or "What A Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice To Deceive".

 

Its an individuals own personal decision, guided by their morals, character, experience and level of risk they are willing to accept that determines how they will respond. Nobody is right and nobody is wrong and everybody's choice should be respected.

 

I think its up to all of us, clients & escorts, to do what we can to curb this practice. We all have skin in the game and are being harmed by this practice. IMHO its getting way too pervasive and out of control. Those that may have a justifiable reason are getting caught up in the swell and except for people that share latbear4blk's philosophy, aren't getting a fair shake.

 

I applaud you for fighting for the underdog who may have a "justifiable reason". They are lucky to have such a staunch advocate like you.

[+ oldNbusted]

I care but I won't say I'd never hire someone for that one reason. Having said that, if I had a choice between two guys, one with his own pics and one with stolen pics, I would choose the guy with his own pics. I doubt I'll ever be faced with choosing between a guy with stolen pics and no guy at all.

[+ José Soplanucas]

I totally get what you are saying and empathize with a person in that situation. That's why we have" justifiable homicide"...

 

The concept of justifiable homicide in criminal law stands on the

dividing line between an excuse, a justification, and an exculpation

. In certain circumstances,

homicide is justified when

it prevents greater harm to innocents.

Wikipedia

 

There are so many other factors that come into play such as

• Attitude
  
• Explanation if asked
  
• Sincerity
  
• Are accurate pictures provided when requested
  
• does the deceit come to an end
  
• etc
  

that generalizations shouldn't be made. Unfortunately most people I think do whatever checks they do before contacting the escort and if they find something wrong they are done. That's just the way it is and will remain so until something changes. Just as you stated "Certainly phony and hijacked photos are not a new topic here. And the practice is fairly common." A lot of people believe the sayings "Two wrongs don't make a right" and/or "What A Tangled Web We Weave When First We Practice To Deceive".

 

Its an individuals own personal decision, guided by their morals, character, experience and level of risk they are willing to accept that determines how they will respond. Nobody is right and nobody is wrong and everybody's choice should be respected.

 

I think its up to all of us, clients & escorts, to do what we can to curb this practice. We all have skin in the game and are being harmed by this practice. IMHO its getting way too pervasive and out of control. Those that may have a justifiable reason are getting caught up in the swell and except for people that share latbear4blk's philosophy, aren't getting a fair shake.

 

I applaud you for fighting for the underdog who may have a "justifiable reason". They are lucky to have such a staunch advocate like you.

 

I think your analogy with justifiable homicide is unfair and inappropriate, but it is fine. As you said, most clients feed out of labeling and easily judging sex workers, specially if they are not premium ones.

So I just put out my opinion there and withdraw to enjoy exploring those newbies with the minority of clients who share my views.

[rustyrex]

I think the guys who are in the business for real, care about the service they provide, and the reputation they achieved are hurt the most. It ads an additional taint that isn't needed. And we the clients share the blame because some/alot let it go unchecked for whatever reason. Hell I used to be one of them. Before I found this site I only knew a couple of tools to verify an ad, gotten ripped off and did nothing. I'm not a confrontational person and some may say I am a wimp. Until one time I had enough and asked the person to leave. The dude pulled out a taser and threatened me until I paid. We agreed before he arrived that I could pay electronically (Lucky for me as you will see). As soon the money cleared and he accepted it it he left. I immediately called the electronic provider, explained that I was forced to make the payment and inquired if I could get my money back. Unfortunately since it was already accepted they couldn't give it back. Despite that they were very helpful and gave me information on other avenues I could pursue. One was calling my bank and asking them to do, I forget the correct term, but something like a charge back. They also suggested I file a Police report which I didn't want to do.

 

I contacted my bank and they told me what I need to do and I asked them if I need to file a police report. They said it would help. The next night I decided f-it its 2016/2017 I'm going to the Police. The bank subsequently denied my request and I was pissed I filed a police report because the Police told me that wouldn't get me my money back.

 

When I went to the Police I took the email address used to send the payment on the electronic site, a print out of our texts and other information I thought would help. I filed a report, they recorded my statement and they almost immediately had a suspect (the jackass used his real email address). They had me do a photo array which is similar to a lineup but with photos. I was able to pick the guy out from the photo array but it wasn't easy because they showed me like 10 photos and several guys looked similar. They said they would be issuing an arrest warrant within a few days and informed me what would happen next and on my way I went about 2-3 hours later.

 

A few days later I get a text from a number I didn't know asking if we could talk. It turned out to be him almost begging me to drop the charges. All I would say was give me money back and I'll think about. After a few shenanigans on his part I finally got my money back. In the electronic notification of payment he included wording that sounded like a contractual agreement that by me accepting the money I agreed to drop the charges. I wasn't sure but I accepted it anyway. I stopped responding to his texts and blocked his number. He later sent me a text from another number saying I played him. I didn't respond but wanted to say "you played yourself a-hole". I took all this additional information to the Police. A few days latter I got a phone call from the victims unit letting me know he was arrested and released on bail. I discovered he knew he was getting arrested because he was being contacted by lawyers offering their services. I'm not sure how the whole process works but I didn't drop the charges and the State or County took over the case. I eventually was called to meet with the DA and review my testimony prior to his scheduled hearing which I wasn't required to attend. A couple months went by and I got a phone call from the DA saying they wouldn't be pursuing the charges and the case was sent back to my town and my town would be contacting me. I eventually received a summons to appear from my town. When I went I met with the prosecutor and his Public Defender. The 1st thing they asked if I wanted to drop the charges. Since I was happy I got my money back and I wanted this to be over with I said yes. The funny not so funny thing is we entered the municipal complex at the same time. I don't know if he recognized me but I certainly didn't recognize him.

 

BTW the Police treated me with the utmost professionalism & respect. The night I filed the report when I left I thanked the Officers for not treating me like a bigger A-hole than I already felt. I'm glad I did what I did and have no regrets. I don't think he learned his lesson, however. I am pretty sure he his still posting ads with fake pictures. I think there is a group, gang if you will, that all work together and the sad part is I know some or maybe all are gay

 

Your story is interesting, however, how did you explain the exchange of money in the first place? If it was for solicitation, unless you live in Nevada, you could've been prosecuted for a petty crime for engaging in such. If it was for a massage, the police usually give it vice to investigate which leads to the solicitation question. If he had tazed you it could have been charged as an assault with a potentially deadly weapon, it wouldn't matter that you were soliciting because for one he won't admit to it and basically your being robbed in your own residence. Luckily you didn't caught for doing something illegal.

[Rangar]

I had a very good explanation that was supported by documentation When the DA took over the case and I met with the Asst DA and two investigators they asked about that and prefaced it by saying I didn't need to worry and it was non issue since I was robbed