Questions for providers regarding prepayment and gift cards

hey ladies.
Got a question about deposits, prepayment and gift cards.
Is that standard practice nowadays?
I've been scammed before on BP and am wondering what honest providers do.
Do you require deposits?
Does anyone take cash or is gift cards a way of scamming someone?
Do you take prepayment or is that another way of a scam?

I live in a decent size city but not a metro area so finding someone isn't easy and not here.

Thanks

If I'm traveling somewhere for an appointment or an extended period of time that someone is wanting I will require a deposit. Because unfortunately as of lately what I've dealt with is getting to my location and then the gent cancelling. While I always try to be accommodating I think it's unreasonable to expect the provider to get the room, travel to get there and all the additional expenses without some sort of compensation. I also find that people aren't as likely to just cancel on a whim when they have money on the line. Now I also think you need to be mindful of who you're giving a deposit to. I wouldn't give a deposit to an unverified lady.