Is it a red flag if someone asks for money online?

Short answer

Red flag: a common scam sign

Someone you haven't met in person asking for money, gift cards or crypto is one of the clearest signs of a romance scam, whatever the story (an emergency, a ticket, an investment). Don't send anything. Stop sharing personal details and report the profile.

It depends on

Whether you've met in person (and even then, be careful)
Whether they avoid video calls
Whether the story keeps changing

What you could say

I don't send money to people I haven't met. I hope you understand.
Let's video call first.
(Or just stop replying and report the profile.)

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