Sex classifieds: cops & pimps?
• Sex Crime
In my personal weblog I've written of my use of classified ad and web personals. Having never had a problem I can't help but wonder if this isn't a somewhat paranoid view. Then again there's no shortage of clueless, careless people.
Welcome to The World of Classified, where women and transvestites, known as "She-males," offer to make "out calls" to the homes or hotels of their clients. It is illegal to blatantly sell sex, so the classifieds are filled with phrases that only hint at a hot night out. The come-ons promise to "blow your mind," or "provide the best time of your life," in settings that are "private" with partners who are "discreet."
What many eager readers don't know is that the sexed-up classifieds are law enforcement tip sheets. In some cities, undercover cops set up sting operations by buying space in the classifieds, according to police and publishing sources. Cops also pressure classified ad managers -- sometimes with subpoenas -- to divulge the names and addresses of the women in the ads or the agents who procure space for them, according to newspaper sources.
Allan Wolper, Editor & Publisher: Sex Classifieds Tied to Crime