In your case, not uncommon to hear about scams in the cryptocurrency world, especially when it comes to new projects. I think it's always a good idea to be cautious and do your own research before getting involved in any bounty campaigns.
That being said, there are legitimate bounties out there that do pay out to participants who complete bounty. It's all about doing your due diligence and being able to distinguish between the real opportunities and the scams.
For important, follow trust bounty manager. If you're unsure about a particular project or bounty campaign, I suggest looking into the team behind it, the project's goals, and any available reviews or feedback from the community.