I had a provider tell me that first time "customers" need to purchase an eBay Visa gift card at the store next to her apartment building and give it to her hand to hand. Is this something new? Seemed like a red flag to me. BTW she's a "verified" provider on a provider site. I've seen other verified providers from that site.

Why not stick to cash?  Why does it have to be the store next to her apartment building?  Why the emphasis on handing it to her by hand?  I don't see what the point of any of this is besides possibly wanting to see you going in and/or coming out of the store.

It seems odd to me too. But I've been out of the hobby for a few years and there's been many changes in that time. Thanks

A couple of thoughts, maybe she thinks it's a loophole(making it legal) in $ for being intimate. But since she said first-timers, it's probable, like you mention, watch to see who you are...security. Instead of just getting the gift card anywhere else?

It is a total scam.  They ask you to show the code allowing them to sell the card on line.  Run, run.

Except she specifically asked for the card to be purchased at the store next to her incall for him to hand the card to her.  It doesn't fit the typical gift card scam.  That's part of why her behavior is odd.

I agree with what has been going on lately in this lifestyle, and nothing surprises me anymore.

Recently contacted a slixa provider who insisted on a gift card.  Her price was right. I could partly verify her but not up to my usual standard. I took one for the team but stopped when her rules changed after the first Ben.
Out a Ben.  Call it tuition in the school of life.
Don't ask me to name her but she will be easy to identify as Slixa, no reviews, gift card ask.
Would only do this again with a provider with a strong reputation.

She ripped you off. Why wouldn't you ID her?