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Though there seems to be fewer of them recently, we often get requests from newer punters on how to figure out if an online escort agency or delivery service is legitimate or a scam, so I prepared this guide (work in progress) on how to spot the places that will screw you the BAD way.
CHECK THE PHONE NUMBER
First thing, make sure it's a local Japan number - if there's a country code other than +81, then they're not in Japan at all. GIGANTIC RED FLAG.
If the number starts with 050, then it's a VOIP number, totally untraceable, and a huge red flag.
If the phone number is a cell number (starting with 070, 080, 090) then it's somewhat less likely to be legitimate, but the flag is more of a salmon pink than outright red.
If the phone number is a land line (for Tokyo 03-XXXX-XXXX, Osaka 06-XXXX-XXXX etc.) then the chances are much higher that it's a legitimate business.
CHECK THE PHOTOS AND BACKGROUNDS
If the photos were all taken in the same room/set, it's a good sign that the shop is legitimate. If the photos all use similar lighting or outfit choices, also a good sign.
Reverse Image search a few photos - if the photos show up only in the same shop, or similar shops (check the other website) then it's probably legitimate.
If the photos are showing in multiple countries, or show up as a celebrity/instagrammer or a lingerie catalogue or Instagram figure, then it's a huge red flag. At a minimum, it's a bait and switch joint.
If the photos have different backgrounds or have had the background photoshopped out and the lighting is clearly different model to model – HUGE RED FLAG.
If the photos all have different background and are cropped to make image searching difficult – HUGE RED FLAG
CHECK THE DOMAIN
Copy the website domain, and do a search at www.whois.com or a similar site to get the whois information.
Look at the Creation Date – the older the better. A site that's existed less than 90 days is a red flag, less than 30 days is a HUGE red flag.
Check the registrar – if they are a Japanese company, very likely legitimate. If they are overseas, red flag. If the registrar is in China, Indonesia, or India, gigantic red flag.
Check the registrant country – same, if it shows Japan, good. If they are overseas, red flag. If they are in China, Indonesia, or India, gigantic red flag.
ASKING FOR A DEPOSIT
A shop asking for a deposit online, especially by credit card or gift card, is a gigantic red flag. Very good chance that after the deposit is made you will never hear from them again.
Please note that this this does not apply to well known indies (if you can find five or more positive reviews on TAG, no problem) or in person deposits at soaplands.
CHECK THE PHONE NUMBER
First thing, make sure it's a local Japan number - if there's a country code other than +81, then they're not in Japan at all. GIGANTIC RED FLAG.
If the number starts with 050, then it's a VOIP number, totally untraceable, and a huge red flag.
If the phone number is a cell number (starting with 070, 080, 090) then it's somewhat less likely to be legitimate, but the flag is more of a salmon pink than outright red.
If the phone number is a land line (for Tokyo 03-XXXX-XXXX, Osaka 06-XXXX-XXXX etc.) then the chances are much higher that it's a legitimate business.
CHECK THE PHOTOS AND BACKGROUNDS
If the photos were all taken in the same room/set, it's a good sign that the shop is legitimate. If the photos all use similar lighting or outfit choices, also a good sign.
Reverse Image search a few photos - if the photos show up only in the same shop, or similar shops (check the other website) then it's probably legitimate.
If the photos are showing in multiple countries, or show up as a celebrity/instagrammer or a lingerie catalogue or Instagram figure, then it's a huge red flag. At a minimum, it's a bait and switch joint.
If the photos have different backgrounds or have had the background photoshopped out and the lighting is clearly different model to model – HUGE RED FLAG.
If the photos all have different background and are cropped to make image searching difficult – HUGE RED FLAG
CHECK THE DOMAIN
Copy the website domain, and do a search at www.whois.com or a similar site to get the whois information.
Look at the Creation Date – the older the better. A site that's existed less than 90 days is a red flag, less than 30 days is a HUGE red flag.
Check the registrar – if they are a Japanese company, very likely legitimate. If they are overseas, red flag. If the registrar is in China, Indonesia, or India, gigantic red flag.
Check the registrant country – same, if it shows Japan, good. If they are overseas, red flag. If they are in China, Indonesia, or India, gigantic red flag.
ASKING FOR A DEPOSIT
A shop asking for a deposit online, especially by credit card or gift card, is a gigantic red flag. Very good chance that after the deposit is made you will never hear from them again.
Please note that this this does not apply to well known indies (if you can find five or more positive reviews on TAG, no problem) or in person deposits at soaplands.
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