Payment method required to send messages???


I just received the following notice when trying to respond to a message a member sent to me.  The message was about audio gear and had nothing to do with buying or selling.  Is this a new requirement?  

You must have a verified phone number and payment method to send messages.

mitch2

Thanks for the info in this thread about having to input a credit card to ask a seller a question.  Seems a bit much.