I think it is not really different from ICOs. Both ICO and IEO basically have the same concept but for sure IEO has a better way. IEO provides a listing place at the early stage in fundraising. It makes investors won't be afraid about the listing plan. However, the developers and IEO teams can make an agreement about everything related to information on the token sale, even it is a manipulation of the data. So, it is also possible that the exchange as the third party shows a fake result on fundraising. In this case, we must be careful and selective to choose the exchange.

I assume there is no safer way. The best way is to analyze correctly all the parts of the projects. If you find out something strange or not make sense, then just avoid joining.