8
Any request for payment in gift cards
No exceptions, no context in which this is legitimate.
Gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, payment apps to a stranger. These have one thing in common: once sent, the money cannot be recalled by you or anyone acting for you.
That is why they are asked for. A card number read down the phone is functionally cash handed to somebody who has already gone.
There is no legitimate scenario, not taxes, not fees, not verification, not a temporary hold, in which a prize promotion needs you to buy gift cards. If gift cards come up, the conversation is over.