This is what OP didn't mentioned but I am glad that many have mentioned this, patience is a must for every investor. So, if it's about the basics of investments, it's true that patience is one of it. And that is right, it's a guard for scams because usually the scams will give a false promise about quick returns, and more than the amount you've invested. That's why many are falling for it, they don't have the basics of it which is being patient. But if all investors are patient, they're unlikely to fall from such situations and they'll even thank themselves for learning how to be patient.