Hookers Beware: Craigslist Cracks Down

'Erotic Services' Ads to require working phone number, which may be given to police

Call girls who ply their trade on Craigslist may have to hit the streets again after the Web site famous for its free classified ads announced a crack down on prostitution.

Craigslist made an agreement with attorneys general in 40 states, including Illinois, to try to stamp out sex ads.

The deal will require people who post "erotic services" ads on Craigslist to provide a working phone number and pay a fee with a valid credit card. The Web site will provide that information to law enforcement if subpoenaed to do so.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan calls the agreement "the first step to make sure that Craigslist begins to address the prostitution and exploitation of women that occurs online."

Craigslist has also agreed to sue 14 software and Internet companies that help people who post erotic service ads circumvent the Web site's defenses against inappropriate content and illegal activity.

Craigslist isn't the only recent enforcer. Grayslake police arrested a woman on prostitution charges after allegedly  trying to exchange sex for money at the Grayslake massage parlor she owns.

OK H. Kim, 55, was caught in a sting operation and is reported to be the first arrest on prostitution charges ever in Grayslake.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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