For bounty hunters, especially newbies, encountering scam projects is inevitable and that goes for even the most experienced bounty hunters. You'll just have to learn from your mistakes to avoid wasting your time working with scam projects.  Checking bounty red flags should always be your top priority. But still, there is always a risk that it might end up as a failed campaign, or worse, another scam. Your experience will always be your best tool in reducing your chances of joining scam projects. So, keep on joining and don't stop, you will eventually get rewarded handsomely for your hard work.