Here are some important actions to take when you are asked to provide credit card information for a free prize or gift:

1. Research the company and source of the offer to ensure it's legitimate.
2. Avoid filling out survey forms unless they can be verified as coming from reputable sources.
3. Think about how the offer was presented. Was it sent via email, an ad, or posted on a website? Consider if the offer is genuine and if the content has typos, questionable grammar, and other suspicious indicators.
4. Be wary of offers that require money upfront or discounts with a time limit.
5. Be sure to understand the Terms and Conditions of the offer and any related fees or hidden costs.
6. Confirm if a trial period is required, and if so, when the billing period begins.
7. If the offer requires a credit card, make sure it’s a secure website, look for the https in the URL.
8. Never provide prepaid cards or gift cards to secure an offer.