This thread reminds me of a somewhat related experience from my newbish days:
I stumbled on a personal connections post on craigslist. An attractive college girl was considering getting into "the biz," but was a bit nervous. She was looking for an experienced John to explain to her how things worked, in exchange for a few free lays.
We exchanged a few anonymous emails (a la craigslist), and agreed to meet at a public location to see: a mcdonald's in the village.
My radar was firing a bit, but my little head led the charge.
When I arrived, it was a super crowded location, so I was wary. I was a bit early, so I decided to lay back and watch from across the street for a few.
Then I noticed it.
There were a disproportionate number of young-ish men idling around. This was pre-smart phones, so they couldn't look down at their screens and act busy. Just nervously looking around.
Clearly the poster was rounding up a collection of marks. Not sure if it was LE, someone just Catfishing, or taking pics from afar. But I took off immediately and considered myself lucky.
Apologies if this is considered hijacking. Back to "Lisa at the bar"...