When it comes to screening, i think some providers really go overboard, to a point you have the feeling of sending an application for a job... The part i think is the most awkward is the whole "reference by another provider in recent months, or even 2 ref sometimes" There is the competition aspect and it must be even worst if you give the name of a regular, she may give you a great reference but what if she wonder why you didn't see her that time? Its just... weird. And if your more an agency guy, are you expecting the agency booker to give you a ref? lol Some providers says there ok to meet if you pay in advance by email transfer but then the risk is on you...
On the other side tough i am definately in FAVOR of minimal screening for indies. Either providing merb handle or making sure its not a text app. I know Julia you are not comfortable when it comes to phone call but confirming by phone would definately remove a portion of fake calls for sure. (After a while you recognize a voice and he will run out of friend to use if he goes that far)
Maybe limiting to a 2H booking or even 1H for a first meeting if no form of "screening" can be done could also help you minimalize the loss.
I know fake calls must be so freaking annoying, there was a time when i sold lots of stuff on Kijiji and it annoyed the hell out of me when peoples would say they would come at certain time and then not, only to msg me the next day saying "sorry i had something pop up" but they didn't even took the time to text... Its not even for the money of the sale but the whole "while i wait for him, i can't go outside, or engage in some activities that require my full investment"
So when you count on this job to pay the rent too... damn it must be infuriating.