Working as an escort in London isn’t just about showing up and getting paid. It’s a high-stakes job where your safety, reputation, and mental health depend on the choices you make every day. The city moves fast, clients come from all over the world, and not everyone has good intentions. If you’re new to this line of work-or even if you’ve been doing it for a while-you need a clear, no-nonsense plan to protect yourself and stay in control.
Know the Legal Landscape Before You Say Yes
| Activity | Legal Status | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Selling sexual services | Legal | You can legally exchange companionship for money in private settings. |
| Operating a brothel | Illegal | Even if you work alone, sharing space with another escort for client meetings can land you in trouble. |
| Advertising sexual services online | Illegal | Platforms like Backpage and many UK-based sites ban explicit ads. Use vague language like "companion," "evening out," or "discreet meeting." |
| Working from home | Legal if private | Your flat is fine-unless neighbors complain or you’re in a restricted rental zone. |
| Accepting payment via bank transfer | Legal | Avoid cash-only deals. Digital trails help you prove payment if things go wrong. |
London police don’t arrest escorts for working alone. But they will act if you’re seen as facilitating prostitution, especially if you’re using public spaces or running a shared space. Stick to private appointments. Never let a client pick you up in a car unless you’ve vetted them thoroughly.
Screen Clients Like a Pro
One bad client can ruin your month-or your life. Screening isn’t optional. It’s your first line of defense.
- Ask for a full name. Not "Tom," not "Chris from Manchester." Real names matter. If they refuse, walk away.
- Do a quick Google search. Type their name + "London" + "escort." If you find their profile on a forum or a past review site, read it. People talk.
- Check their phone number. Use a reverse lookup tool like Truecaller or WhoCalledMe. If it’s a burner or shows up as "private," that’s a red flag.
- Video call before meeting. A 2-minute Zoom call gives you body language, voice tone, and background clues. If they avoid the camera or keep the room dark, don’t go.
- Ask about their reason for hiring. "Looking for company," "celebrating a birthday," or "just wanted to talk" are fine. "I want you to do something extreme" or "I’ve done this before with other girls" are warning signs.
There’s a reason why experienced escorts in London use client databases like EscortSafe a community-driven platform where workers report risky clients and share verified reviews. It’s free. It’s anonymous. And it’s updated daily by people who’ve been where you are.
Set Boundaries-Before You Even Leave the House
Never let a client dictate your limits. You set them. Write them down. Print them. Keep them in your phone. Show them before anything starts.
Examples:
- "No drugs in the room. Ever."
- "No anal without explicit consent-and only if I say yes."
- "No rough play unless we discuss it in advance."
- "I don’t do public locations."
- "I leave at 11 p.m. sharp, no exceptions."
If they argue, you walk. No guilt. No apology. You’re not here to please everyone. You’re here to stay safe and get paid.
Always Have a Safety Net
Before every appointment, tell someone where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you’ll check in. Use a buddy system. It doesn’t have to be a friend-just someone you trust enough to call if you’re late.
Use apps like SafeTrek a personal safety app that sends your location to emergency contacts if you don’t cancel a timer or Haven a device that records audio and video if it detects shouting or sudden movement. They’re cheap, easy to carry, and work even if your phone dies.
Also, carry a decoy phone. Use it to text your buddy with your location. Keep your real phone locked in your bag. If someone tries to steal it, they get nothing useful.
Watch Your Digital Footprint
London has a lot of private investigators and ex-partners who search for people online. Don’t post selfies in your apartment. Don’t tag locations. Don’t use your real name on any public profile.
Use a pseudonym. Use a separate email. Use a virtual number for calls. Don’t link your escort work to your Instagram, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Even a single photo with your face and a luxury hotel in the background can be traced.
Many escorts in London use burner email addresses from ProtonMail or Tutanota. They’re encrypted. They don’t ask for ID. And they don’t tie back to your real identity.
Know Where to Get Help
You’re not alone. There are organizations in London that support sex workers-no judgment, no questions asked.
- Sisters Uncut A grassroots group offering legal advice, housing support, and advocacy for sex workers in London
- The English Collective of Prostitutes A long-standing organization that runs safe spaces, workshops, and legal clinics for workers
- St. Mungo’s Provides housing, mental health services, and exit programs for those wanting to leave the industry
These groups don’t report you to the police. They don’t shame you. They help you survive.
Don’t Let the Job Eat You Alive
The emotional toll of this work is real. You’re not just a body. You’re a person. And you deserve rest, joy, and boundaries outside of work.
Many escorts in London set strict rules:
- Work only two or three days a week
- Never take clients from the same neighborhood twice in a row
- Take one full day off every week
- See a therapist who understands sex work (not just any counselor)
There’s no shame in needing help. In fact, the most successful escorts are the ones who prioritize their mental health as much as their safety.
Final Rule: You Are Not Disposable
Some clients will try to make you feel small. Some will talk down to you. Some will offer more money if you break your rules. Don’t fall for it. You’re not a commodity. You’re a professional with rights.
Every time you say no, you protect yourself. Every time you walk away, you prove your worth. Every time you use your voice, you make the industry safer for the next person.
This isn’t a glamorous job. But it can be a safe one-if you’re smart, prepared, and never forget who you are.
Is it safe to meet clients in hotels in London?
It’s possible, but risky. Many hotels require ID for guests, and staff may report suspicious behavior. If you do, choose a hotel that doesn’t require booking under your real name. Always check the room for hidden cameras. Never go alone-always have a buddy check in. Stick to well-known chains like Premier Inn or Travelodge that have clear policies and security cameras in hallways.
Can I work as an escort without a DBS check?
Yes. There’s no legal requirement for escorts in the UK to have a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. But some clients may ask for one. If you’re uncomfortable, you can offer to show your ID or provide a reference from another client. Never lie about your background-clients who demand a DBS check are often trying to control you. Trust your gut.
What should I do if a client refuses to pay?
Do not confront them. Do not argue. Get out safely. If you have proof of the agreement-text messages, emails, or a recording-save it. Report it to a support group like The English Collective of Prostitutes. They can help you draft a letter or connect you with a lawyer. Never try to recover payment yourself. It’s not worth the risk.
Are there escort agencies in London that are trustworthy?
Most agencies take 40-60% of your earnings and control your schedule, clients, and safety. Very few are ethical. If you work with one, ask: Do they let you screen clients? Do they give you a safety protocol? Do they pay you on time? Do they let you quit without penalty? If any answer is no, walk away. Working independently gives you more control-and more safety.
How do I avoid scams from fake clients?
Scammers often claim they’re from overseas, say they’ll pay in cryptocurrency, or send fake payment screenshots. Never accept payment before the meeting. Always insist on bank transfer after the service, with a receipt. If they pressure you to move fast or use unusual payment methods, it’s a scam. Block them immediately and report them to EscortSafe.
If you’re thinking about quitting or just need someone to talk to, reach out. You don’t have to do this alone. There are people in London who’ve been where you are-and they’re ready to help.