Many people enjoy getting massages as a way to relax and unwind. However, not all massage parlors are created equal. Unfortunately, some establishments use the front of a massage business to hide illegal activities such as human trafficking or prostitution.
If you’re planning on visiting a new massage parlor, it’s important to be aware of warning signs that it may be a sting. By knowing what to look for, you can avoid potential dangers and protect yourself from any illicit activity.
In this article, we’ll share five red flags that could indicate that a massage parlor is a front for something more sinister. Whether you’re a regular massage-goer or someone who’s never had one before, these tips will help keep you safe and informed.
“Just because an establishment presents itself as a massage parlor doesn’t mean everything is above board.” -Unknown
The last thing you want when going for a massage is to unknowingly walk into a dangerous situation. By taking note of certain red flags, you can make better choices about where to get your massages and what businesses to support. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs of a possible sting operation at a massage parlor!
Table of Contents
Unmarked or Non-Descript Location
A massage parlor that is intended to be a legitimate business will want to promote its services and location. Therefore, if you notice that the establishment has no sign outside or it is in an out of the way location, then this could be cause for concern.
According to Sgt. Brett Parson of the Phoenix Police Department, “Many illegal brothels advertise like they are legitimately offering professional therapeutic massages but do not have any advertising or signage indicating the business’s name, hours of operation, or services offered.”
If you happen upon a shady-looking place located in an industrial area or strip mall, think twice before walking through the door. If a massage salon uses sex as its main attraction with neon signs suggesting they’re open late or 24/7, that may also indicate the possibility of illegal activities.
Lack of Clear Signage
No one wants to accidentally stumble into a seedy business thinking they’re getting a relaxing massage only to find something darker going on behind closed doors. Legitimate businesses put up signs identifying their services and nearly always include operational hours, contact information, and directions.
Not having clear signage can be a red flag that the massage spa is hiding its identity under the guise of being discreet. It’s essential to watch out for those subtle cues that occur when attempting to locate a potential massage parlor involved in sex trafficking.
“One example could be ‘Angel Therapy.’ These vague names suggest that they offer “therapeutic” massages and might make it difficult to assess what kind of service these salons provide,” says Susan Coppedge, the Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons.
Hidden or Obscured Entrance
Another aspect to be mindful of is the entrance. Massage parlors may try to obscure their entry doors or occupy an area that is not easy for the general public to view. It can indicate illicit activity, such as sex trafficking or prostitution.
“Back entrances, tinted windows, and cameras are all good signs that something questionable might be going on inside,” says Jessica Kim, head of MyAnti-TraffickingPolicy.
It’s common in Asian massage parlors in Western countries to have locked front doors buzzing clients in after visually confirming they’re not law enforcement. If you ever get offers to “come around the back” or anything else that doesn’t seem standard, walk out.
The bottom line about discerning if a massage parlor is doing legitimate business is to check for transparency. Legitimate businesses put information online, make it easy to find, and most importantly – use words like “therapeutic” instead of vague phrases from which there could be many interpretations. Always take note of your surroundings when entering these establishments so that you do not accidentally support human exploitation.
Limited Services Offered
If you’re entering a massage parlor, it’s essential to understand the services offered. In most cases, legitimate massage parlors will offer a range of massage therapies such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and reflexology. On the other hand, if a massage parlor offers suggestive or sexual services, then that’s a sign that they are not licensed and running an illegal prostitution business.
“It is unlawful for anyone to perform massage therapy without obtaining a license from the Bureau of Massage Therapy. If you visit a massage parlor and feel uncomfortable about their services, make sure to report them to the relevant state authority,” says Lisa LaFontaine, CEO of the Washington Humane Society.
The law requires all massage therapists to be licensed by the state before practicing any form of massage therapy. Without a proper license, the therapist cannot carry out any massage therapy services legally.
No Restrooms Available
One of the signs that a massage parlor may not provide genuine massage services is the lack of restroom facilities on site. Most legitimate massage centers have restrooms where clients can freshen up before receiving treatment. Therefore, if you walk into a massage establishment and realize that there are no toilet facilities, consider it a red flag.
“Massage parlors that do not have a bathroom available to customers may be a sign of something more shady than simply being forgetful in putting in a toilet”, explains Christina Body, Director of Communications at Sparxoo, a marketing agency headquartered in Tampa Bay, Florida.
In addition, when you request access to a restroom facility, an unscrupulous proprietor may attempt to steer you away from using one unless you agree to receive additional illicit services.
No Food or Beverages Sold
A legitimate massage business may sell drinks or other refreshments to their clients. It’s perfectly reasonable for establishments providing a service lasting an hour or more to make these beverages available as customers may experience thirst or hunger during the process. If you walk into a massage parlor, and there is no food or drink sold on-site, it could be another red flag that they are not operating with a genuine license.
“Although selling food and/or beverages is not a requirement to validate that a parlor offers legitimate services, this can be a warning sign in some circ*mstances,” advises Sergeant Steve Brewer of Sandy Springs Police Department. Behind closed doors, few people report these illegal activities- which sometimes involves minors.”
By contrast, unlawful joints tend only to offer what they advertise openly. Since sexual acts involve exchanges of money, most pimps tend only to ask for payment inside their illicit place of work
No Seating Provided
In many sophisticated massage centers, right from the reception lobby, comfortable chairs are usually provided for waiting clients. Therefore, if upon entering the establishment, you encounter empty space instead of seating areas, beware. A lack of comfortable seats could indicate that you’re dealing with an illegitimate massage operation masquerading under the guise of licensed professionals.
“It’s important to visit a reputable parlor where legal rights and your safety aren’t compromised. No one wants bad experiences like being solicited special massages or even worse assaulted,” adds Michael S. Lamonsoff, Founder of Michael Gunzburg, P.C.
Additionally, some sting operations may use simple furniture such as plastic office chairs, which will tell you that you’re either dealing with cheap proprietors or something seriously sinister. Either way, it is best to avoid massage parlors without suitable seating facilities.
No Customer Service Available
Unscrupulous massage parlors do not only skip providing quality customer service but altogether forgo such services to become anonymous. In other words, you may encounter some of the following scenarios; no one greets you upon entering the parlor, no telephone inquiries (“call backs”) or email dealings—this simply means they are hiding something.
“Many people do not feel comfortable reporting these unpleasant experiences that happen at illegal massage establishments. Such silence makes real ignominy as many continue to suffer in silence,” says Raoul Felder, principal partner of Raoul Felder & Partners law firm based in New York City.
If a staff member answers your telephone call and then abruptly hangs up or becomes hesitant when responding to your queries towards their establishment, it should signal to everyone looking for legitimate services to walk away smoothly as possible and find any legal professional services elsewhere.
Excessive Security Measures
If you are a frequent visitor of massage parlors, there’s a chance that you’ve come across establishments with excessive security measures. While some may argue that it’s better to be safe than sorry, some customers find it suspicious and alarming.
Metal Detectors and Body Scanners
One tell-tale sign that a massage parlor could be a sting operation is the presence of metal detectors and body scanners at their entrance. These machines have become increasingly common in airports and other high-security areas, but they are not typically found in most legitimate massage parlors.
The use of metal detectors and body scanners is usually an indication that the establishment has had problems in the past with unruly clients or dangerous individuals entering the premises. However, these machines can also serve as a way for law enforcement to identify potential customers who may have outstanding warrants or may be carrying illegal substances on them.
“The introduction of such technologies demonstrates how much more sophisticated our efforts to address trafficking must now become,” says Maxime Houinato, the Chief Technical Adviser of UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
Armed Guards on Site
In addition to metal detectors and body scanners, another red flag is when a massage parlor employs armed guards. This indicates that the establishment believes there may be a physical threat to staff or patrons.
The presence of armed guards at a massage parlor could also signify that the establishment is a part of an elaborate sting operation. These guards may be authorized to detain anyone suspected of criminal activity until law enforcement arrives on the scene.
“While it might seem like overkill to have armed security at a storefront massage parlor, these businesses are often linked to organized crime syndicates. These groups use massage parlors as a front for prostitution and other illegal activities,” says Steve Anderson, the Chief of Police in Mesa, Arizona.
Surveillance Cameras Everywhere
If you notice that there are surveillance cameras everywhere inside the massage parlor, it’s most likely because they want to monitor their staff and clients. However, the excessive amount of cameras could also be an indication that they’re doing something else entirely.
According to a recent report by the Polaris Project, “surveillance may indicate that traffickers or buyers fear getting caught, or suggest that victims are being watched to prevent them from escaping.”
Multiple Layers of Security Checkpoints
Having multiple layers of security checkpoints at the entrance and within the establishment is another clear sign that you might be walking into a trap. These checkpoints can include not only metal detectors and body scanners but also personnel who will search your bags and check your identification.
“The presence of these types of security measures is generally indicative of high-levels of criminal activity taking place behind closed doors,” says Christopher Baughman, a retired Las Vegas police officer and author of “Off the Street: Legalizing Drugs.”
While some of the above-mentioned excessive security measures may have legitimate uses in certain situations, when combined together at a massage parlor, they can often signify a potential sting operation. It is best to do your research beforehand and make sure that the establishment you plan on visiting has a good reputation to avoid any unwanted trouble.
Cash-Only Transactions
One of the ways to spot a potential massage parlor sting is by checking if they only accept cash payments. Most legitimate businesses that offer massages will imply that they also take credit or debit card payments.
If you are not sure whether it’s just protocol or something worth noting, then try booking an appointment with your credit card. If the business refuses because they don’t accept card payments, this could be a red flag for a potential scam set-up.
“It’s always important as a consumer to have avenues for recourse if anything were to go wrong. When you’re paying in cash, it becomes much harder to make a claim or receive help from the authorities later on.” says Christopher Elliott, travel expert and founder of Elliott Advocacy, in an article published on Forbes.com’’
No Credit or Debit Card Payments Accepted
As mentioned earlier, most reputable establishments would prefer both cash and card payments. A massage parlor that insists solely on cash payments may raise concerns regarding their legitimacy.
The inability to process card transactions should not necessarily indicate illegal behavior. Still, it certainly makes tracking down fraudulent actions more difficult for any victim involved—an evident advantage for the fraudsters.
“When paying with cash, there is no way to trace the payment,” explains Amanda C. Haugen, a subject matter expert who has written extensively about identity theft and financial fraud,
No Checks or Money Orders Accepted
Most scams rely on anonymity, which means that when someone pays them using checks or money orders, they leave trails that anyone can follow. As such, whenever a spa or massage establishment tells you that checks or money orders aren’t suitable forms of payments, you might want to consider it as a significant warning sign that something is not quite right.
According to Consumer Reports, checks can be inconvenient for business owners. They are time-consuming and potentially risky since writing worthless checks can easily result in prosecution. Massage parlors or spas might thus refuse them due to the extra trouble involved.
No ATMs Available on Site
If you find yourself in a massage parlor with no place to withdraw cash nearby, this may indicate that it’s a front as these places usually require payment upfront, thereby making an ATM machine crucial for their operation. In a genuine spa setting, there should at least be access to an ATM within reasonable proximity.
“In many cases, criminals will target areas where people carry higher amounts of cash like Casinos or night clubs,” posits Bob Adams – security technology expert. “If you see frequent trips from the establishment to an off-site bank or constant runs to get change from an ATM nearby, this could also suggest illegal behavior,” he advises.
Spotting the signs that point towards stings requires some knowledge beforehand but once identified, they tell-tale warning flags are easy to spot. So if confronted by any of the situations outlined above, chances are high; the massage parlor is likely operating behind a veil of deception —for everyone’s peace of mind, walk away!
Inappropriate or Sexual Advertising
One of the telltale signs of a massage parlor sting operation is inappropriate or sexual advertising. These ads may feature scantily clad models, suggestive language, or explicit imagery.
Images of Scantily Clad Models
If you come across an advertisem*nt for a massage parlor that prominently features images of scantily clad models, it’s a red flag. Legitimate massage parlors typically advertise their services using photos of their facility, staff members in professional attire, and relaxing spa-like settings.
According to Nikki Junker, director of the Identity Theft Resource Center’s Victim Assistance Program, these types of advertisem*nts are designed to attract the attention of potential customers looking for more than just a therapeutic massage. “The individuals running the scam are going to try to provide a little bit of enticement — something that makes people feel like they’re gonna get a little bit more,” says Junker.
Suggestive or Explicit Language
Another sign of a possible massage parlor sting operation is the use of suggestive or explicit language in advertisem*nts or on websites. Phrases such as “full service” or “happy ending” are commonly associated with illicit activities.
Speaking with CBS News, Detective Chris Baughman – a retired Las Vegas vice detective who spent 16 years busting massage parlor prostitution rings – explained how this type of language can be used to lure unsuspecting patrons: “They want you to think that when you go get a massage, it’s not going to be some sterile or boring setting…it’s going to be something that feels different.”
“Anybody who sees any questionable conduct at these locations (including sexually-charged advertising) should report them to law enforcement right away.” – Nicolas Sensley, chairman of the California Massage Therapy Council
It’s worth noting that not all instances of sexual language or imagery in massage parlor ads automatically signify a sting. Some legitimate establishments may use provocative images or language to capture their target audience and differentiate themselves from competitors.
To be sure you’re visiting an above-board massage parlor, pay attention to the tone and content of any advertising or promotional materials before heading through the door. If anything seems suspicious, it’s better to err on the side of caution and look elsewhere for your next spa day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common signs that a massage parlor is a sting operation?
Common signs that a massage parlor is a sting operation include: male-only clientele, minimal or no advertising, locked doors or windows, and a lack of licensed massage therapists. Sting operations often involve law enforcement posing as clients and offering money for sexual services, leading to arrests and charges for prostitution or human trafficking.
Are there any warning signs to look out for before entering a massage parlor?
Warning signs to look out for before entering a massage parlor include: unmarked or discreet signage, a lack of visible business licenses or certifications, and a location in a seedy or rundown area. Additionally, if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe upon entering the establishment, it’s best to trust your instincts and leave immediately.
What should I do if I suspect that a massage parlor is a front for illegal activity?
If you suspect that a massage parlor is a front for illegal activity, you should report your suspicions to local law enforcement. You can also contact organizations that combat human trafficking or sexual exploitation, such as the National Human Trafficking Resource Center or your state’s Attorney General’s office. It’s important to remember not to confront the establishment or attempt to gather evidence yourself.
How can I research a massage parlor before going to make sure it’s legitimate?
You can research a massage parlor before going to make sure it’s legitimate by checking for proper licensing and certification, reading online reviews, and verifying the business’s address and contact information. You can also check with your state’s massage therapy board to ensure that the establishment is in compliance with state regulations. It’s important to remember that legitimate massage therapists will have proper training and certifications, and will not engage in illegal activities.
What are some red flags to look out for during a massage that could indicate illegal activity?
Red flags to look out for during a massage that could indicate illegal activity include: sexual solicitations or offers, inappropriate touching, suggestive comments or conversations, and requests for additional payment for sexual services. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe during a massage, it’s important to speak up and end the session immediately.
How can I protect myself from getting caught up in a sting operation while seeking massage services?
To protect yourself from getting caught up in a sting operation while seeking massage services, it’s important to do your research beforehand and only patronize licensed and reputable establishments. Additionally, be wary of any offers or solicitations for sexual services, and always trust your instincts if something feels off or uncomfortable. Remember that legitimate massage therapists will not engage in illegal activities or solicitations.
