How to Form an LLC as a Cam Model: Stop Payment Apps From Exposing Your Real Name

Someone just reported my payment app.

My real name was exposed to everyone who sent me money.

If that sentence makes your stomach drop, you're not alone. There's a legal solution cam models have been using to protect their identities from payment processors, banking discrimination, and potential stalkers.

On November 21, 2025, a model posted to r/CamGirlProblems about this exact nightmare. The thread exploded with comments from experienced creators. They explained how forming an LLC shields your legal identity from payment transactions. It protects your personal Social Security Number from getting permanently blacklisted by banks.

This isn't business optimization.

For adult content creators, it's safety infrastructure.

Why Payment Apps Are Putting Cam Models at Risk

When customers send you money through Venmo, CashApp, PayPal, or similar apps, they can see your legal name. You need business accounts set up to hide it.

One report to the platform and your account gets frozen. Or banned.

Could be from a disgruntled customer. A competitor. Someone who recognized your face.

The real danger runs deeper.

One model explained: "Someone reported my main payment method and I only use one where I can hide my name. I'd like to register as an LLC so I can have accounts under the LLC's name so nobody sees my name when sending me money."

This creator learned what many models discover the hard way.

Payment apps aren't designed for adult content creators. They're designed for casual peer-to-peer transactions. Your income depends on them. You're building your camming business on quicksand.

The Banking Discrimination Problem: Why Your SSN Is at Risk

Here's what makes this dangerous for adult creators.

Banks actively discriminate against adult entertainment income. Despite it being completely legal work.

The legacy of Operation Chokepoint still haunts creators today.

This was a 2013 DOJ program that pressured banks to cut ties with "high-risk" industries. Adult entertainment was on that list. Banks still close accounts when they discover adult work income. Often without warning.

One experienced model paid $1,000 for a CPA to set up her LLC. She explained the protection:

"If my bank gets flagged for adult business transactions, my EIN gets blacklisted instead of my SSN. Other banks won't work with my business either, but I can close my business and make a new one. Go to a different bank and act brand new. Can't do that with a flagged SSN."

Think about that.

If banks flag your personal Social Security Number as connected to adult work, you could be permanently blacklisted from opening business accounts.

With an LLC, you can dissolve the flagged entity. Start fresh with a new business. New EIN.

How an LLC Actually Protects Your Identity

An LLC creates legal separation between your creator persona and your personal identity.

Here's what that looks like in practice:

• Payment apps show your business name, not your legal name. Customers send you money and see "Crystal Clear Consulting LLC" instead of "Jennifer Smith."
• Bank accounts are under your EIN, not your SSN. Your Employer Identification Number becomes your business tax ID. This shields your personal Social Security Number.
• You can restart if things go wrong. If a bank flags your LLC's EIN, you can dissolve that entity. Form a new one with a fresh EIN at a different bank.
• Cam sites can use your business information. Register on platforms using your LLC name and EIN instead of personal details from the start.

The model who invested in professional setup put it simply.

This isn't about privacy in the moment. It's about having an exit strategy if your banking relationships collapse.

The same legal separation that helps you maintain boundaries with difficult customers shields you from institutional discrimination. Same concept.

But Your Name Still Appears in Public Records

Let's address the elephant in the room.

LLC formation doesn't give you complete anonymity.

One model warned: "My legal name is listed on the Secretary of State's website where you can look up business licenses in your state."

When you form an LLC, your name goes into public government databases. Someone who knows your business name could search state records. They could connect it back to you.

This is why choosing your LLC name matters.

Never name your LLC the same as your cam or creator name. That defeats the entire privacy purpose. Makes you easily searchable.

Maintaining complete control over your business identity matters.

Using a Registered Agent for Additional Privacy

Want to keep your personal information out of public LLC records?

Registered agents can do that.

One model explained: "If you want your company to be untraceable back to you, you need to hire a 'registered agent'. They are agents licensed in the state you live in who can legally put the business in their name and address. You're the real owner of the business. All business mail goes to them, and they scan and upload it to your online account. This way, your information won't be visible to customers."

Registered agent services cost $100-300 per year. They give you another privacy layer beyond basic LLC formation. They receive your business mail and forward it digitally. Your home address stays off public records.

Step-by-Step: How to Form Your LLC

The process is straightforward. You don't need to spend $1,000 on professional help. But it can be worth it for proper structure.

1. Choose Your Business Name

Pick something unrelated to your creator name.

"Sapphire Media LLC" instead of your cam name. "Blue Sky Consulting" instead of your OnlyFans handle.

The goal is separation. Not branding.

2. File With Your Secretary of State

Models recommend going directly through your state's Secretary of State website. Don't use expensive formation services.

Filing fees range from $50-500 depending on your state. The process is done online. Takes 20-30 minutes.

3. Get Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

The IRS gives this for free through their website. This number becomes your business's "Social Security Number" for tax purposes.

You'll use it instead of your personal SSN. When opening bank accounts. When registering on platforms.

4. Consider Registered Agent Services

If you want maximum privacy, budget $100-300 per year for a registered agent. They keep your name and address off public records.

5. Open a Business Bank Account

Models recommend adult-friendly banks like Bluevine. Less likely to discriminate.

You'll need your LLC formation documents and EIN to open the account.

6. Update Your Payment Methods

Connect your business bank account to payment apps and platforms. When customers send money, they'll see your LLC name instead of your legal name.

What to Tell Your CPA and Banks

Do you have to tell professionals that you do adult work?

No.

One model shared the approach that works:

"They won't even ask, and you don't need to tell them. All they need is your tax code. 519130 - Internet Publishing and Broadcasting and Web Search Portals. Our work is perfectly legal in the US. There is no need to lie."

This is important.

You're not lying. You're not hiding illegal activity. You're categorizing legal work using the proper tax code.

Adult content creation falls under digital media and internet broadcasting. Categories that exist because this is legitimate business.

CPAs and registered agents work with all kinds of businesses. They don't need to know the nature of your content. They need to know your business structure and tax classification.

If you're already working with professional services like therapy or accounting, you know how to frame your work professionally.

Additional Benefits: S-Corp Election and Payroll

Once you have an LLC, experienced creators recommend taking it a step further:

• Elect S-Corp status for tax savings. This can reduce your self-employment tax burden on profits above what you pay yourself in salary.
• Set up payroll to pay yourself. This generates W2s and paystubs. Makes getting loans or apartments easier. Landlords understand a W2 from "Blue Sky Consulting" better than they understand Chaturbate income.

The model who invested $1,000 in professional setup said these benefits were worth the investment.

You're trying to rent an apartment. Buy a car. Having legitimate business documentation from an LLC makes you look like any other self-employed professional.

This kind of professional infrastructure matters. Whether you're earning $100/hour or dealing with platform payment issues.

The Real Cost: DIY vs. Professional Setup

You have two paths:

DIY Formation:

• State filing fee: $50-500 (varies by state)
• EIN from IRS: Free
• Registered agent (optional): $100-300 per year
• Business bank account: Free at most banks
• Total: $150-800 first year, then annual fees

Professional Setup:

• CPA for formation and first-year accounting: around $1,000
• Includes S-Corp election guidance, payroll setup, and tax strategy
• Peace of mind that everything is structured right

For established creators earning consistent income, the professional route can pay for itself. Tax savings and avoiding costly mistakes.

For newer creators, the DIY path gets you the protection you need. You're building.

What This Doesn't Protect You From

What can an LLC do for you?

What can't it do?

An LLC DOES protect:

• Your legal name from appearing on payment transactions
• Your personal SSN from banking blacklists
• Your ability to restart banking relationships if flagged
• Your capacity to present legitimate business income for loans and housing

An LLC DOESN'T protect:

• Complete anonymity (your name is in public Secretary of State records)
• Your face and content from being online
• Platform bans or violations of terms of service
• Someone who already knows your legal name from finding you elsewhere

The protection is about creating separation between your business persona and your personal identity. In financial systems. In banking systems.

It won't make you invisible. But it will make you harder to dox through payment records.

When This Makes Sense for Your Business

Not every creator needs an LLC right away.

Consider forming one if:

• You're earning consistent income (usually $20k or more annually)
• You're using payment apps where customers can see your legal name
• You're worried about family discovering your work through payment records
• You've already had banking discrimination or account closures
• You want to appear as a legitimate business when applying for housing or loans

The original poster's situation is exactly when this matters.

"Someone reported my main payment method and I only use one where I can hide my name."

Once you've been burned once, the $150-1,000 investment in an LLC becomes insurance you need.

For newer creators concerned about privacy before problems show up, forming an LLC early creates clean separation from day one. You never have to worry about payment apps exposing your legal name. You never used your legal name in your business transactions.

The Bottom Line

Banking discrimination against adult creators isn't fair. It's real.

Payment apps exposing your legal name to customers isn't safe. It happens.

Once your personal SSN gets flagged in banking systems, your options become limited. Very limited.

An LLC creates legal separation between your creator work and your personal identity.

It's not perfect anonymity. Your name will be in state records. But it protects you where it matters most. Daily financial transactions. Banking relationships. Ability to restart if things go wrong.

One model invested $1,000 in professional setup. She considers it her best business decision.

Another might spend $200 filing herself and still get the protection she needs.

The right path depends on your income level, complexity needs, and risk tolerance.

What's the same for everyone?

Adult content creation is legal work. You deserve the same business infrastructure and protections available to any other self-employed professional.

An LLC is how you claim them.