The "T" label is a powerful tool
Just to clarify my earlier Epstein = trafficking & prostitution = trafficking calculus, the main point is that the label itself is a powerful tool for LE that has been let out of its cage. Back in the pre-internet mongering era, LE had to jump through some serious hoops in order to elevate any kind of prostitution activity up to a felony-level beef. Those hurdles were high enough that most depts and agencies didn't even bother. Periodic stings along the stroll, and known hooker hotels, were enough to keep the local citizenry and politicians happy.
Fast forward to today, where everything is labeled "trafficking" by default (even if not a single real trafficking charge is ever alleged or proved). Using the "T" label as cover, LE has access to a smorgasbord of investigative tools that would otherwise be off-limits. "T" cases are also great clickbait for a media hungry for content and eyeballs, and they're also great for publicity-loving politicians. So, with a perfect three-part recipe going on, adding state and federal grant money is the cherry on top!
What this means for us mongers is that good OPSEC is now required for scenarios where maybe formerly we could afford to relax a bit. As one member pointed out, even one provider acting on behalf of another, or in partnership with another, can be twisted and forced into a "trafficking" scenario. The ONLY protection (IMO) is to stick with truly independent providers: no handlers, no pimps, no girlfriends, no one helping post ads, no one helping pay rent or bills, nada! There are some in every price range, but it takes a bit of research to be sure.
For the true indies OPSEC needs are minimal. For anything else it's a risk vs reward calculation. As I've posted previously, it's important to ask yourself what it would take to ruin or severely disrupt your life, and use that as a starting point.
Butt dial your IRL phone?
Every now and then, I still butt dial. Recently my brother told me that he overheard me telling my barber how to cut my hair, and I was totally oblivious. I went to the phone and sure enough, it had been in my pocket when I got the haircut and it dialed him, I guess because he was the last person I texted.
Obviously, many of us have SOs and have to keep in some semblance of touch even if we are with someone else. What are the best practices to be sure that we have the phone but the girl can't use it to get our IRL identities, and the phone does not reveal anything about our activities to the warden. Nothing would be worse than a call to her from my phone revealing certain 'activities'.
I always cut off WiFi when I am playing, because otherwise my phone (Android) will try to connect and I believe Google keeps track of all networks the phone contacts.
I have started taking pains that the last app I used before entering the location was not my texting / phone app, and also being sure that the last text I opened within that app was something harmless, like a text confirming a reservation from some general number.
PSA: User Account Security
Just a reminder to keep your passwords of your user accounts on the forum complex and hard to guess and change them periodically. I wouldn't be surprised if some of the chicks we are reviewing (especially the ones getting not so glowing reviews), attempt to get into our accounts and access PMs, contact info etc. Happy Memorial Day.
