Providers requesting 50% in advance

I have communicated with a couple of providers who are requesting 50% booking fees via cashapp/paypal. Any experience with this? or just assume it's a scam.

It’s not a scam. In these times and now going forward it’s what’s to be expected.
Play at your own risk. I personally would not deposit a dime.

NEVER pay upfront

I've only put a deposit down ONCE, and that was because she had a very well established profile on TER. Otherwise I'm with Hollis, that shit's scam city.

Screw'em literally.

Always C.O.D.