One note on your criteria: While the lack of trial periods/refunds is a red flag, the existence of them isn't necessarily of any value. Promises of refunds do not actual refunds make, and it's just as easy to lie about refunds as results. Even legit companies can (and do) make it impossible to get refunds.
A few other tools I use to evaluate anything on the attention-net:
1. Search for "[research subject] scam".
Other people have probably already done some of the work. Learn from from their research (or mistakes).
Note, however, that claims of something being a scam aren't always valid. However, if the number of scam claims is high, that's a flag. And if the number of scam claims is nearly nonexistent, be wary - it may mean you're looking at something that's too new to get an accurate read on.
So, look for concrete claims, and details. Purely emotional responses - whether positive or negative - can usually be ignored.
And differentiate comments/complaints about the product and the service/delivery. A consumer complaint for a product that shipped a week late is very different than a complaint that the product fell apart after an hour.
2. Find the names of the leaders/founders/investors and search for them.
It's amazing how many people caught running scams go on to run other scams - without even trying to hide their names. Convicted criminals will even put their names right there in the SEC filings.
3. Be VERY wary of anything, anywhere that requires you to take action NOW.
FOMO is a powerful lever, and the scammers and marketers all know it. The ONLY reason I've ever found for someone to try to make me feel something is urgent is to prevent me from taking the time to do proper research. (Or in some cases, to even think).
Perhaps one of the best pieces of financial advice we can ever take to heart is: Never make a financial (or life) decision based on emotion.
So, if it feels like you must act now to avoid missing out then... you might want to just accept that you'll miss out. The world isn't going to end, and there will always be other opportunities. It's worth it to wait for an opportunity that gives us time to research properly before committing to it.
One note on your criteria: While the lack of trial periods/refunds is a red flag, the existence of them isn't necessarily of any value. Promises of refunds do not actual refunds make, and it's just as easy to lie about refunds as results. Even legit companies can (and do) make it impossible to get refunds.
A few other tools I use to evaluate anything on the attention-net:
1. Search for "[research subject] scam".
Other people have probably already done some of the work. Learn from from their research (or mistakes).
Note, however, that claims of something being a scam aren't always valid. However, if the number of scam claims is high, that's a flag. And if the number of scam claims is nearly nonexistent, be wary - it may mean you're looking at something that's too new to get an accurate read on.
So, look for concrete claims, and details. Purely emotional responses - whether positive or negative - can usually be ignored.
And differentiate comments/complaints about the product and the service/delivery. A consumer complaint for a product that shipped a week late is very different than a complaint that the product fell apart after an hour.
2. Find the names of the leaders/founders/investors and search for them.
It's amazing how many people caught running scams go on to run other scams - without even trying to hide their names. Convicted criminals will even put their names right there in the SEC filings.
3. Be VERY wary of anything, anywhere that requires you to take action NOW.
FOMO is a powerful lever, and the scammers and marketers all know it. The ONLY reason I've ever found for someone to try to make me feel something is urgent is to prevent me from taking the time to do proper research. (Or in some cases, to even think).
Perhaps one of the best pieces of financial advice we can ever take to heart is: Never make a financial (or life) decision based on emotion.
So, if it feels like you must act now to avoid missing out then... you might want to just accept that you'll miss out. The world isn't going to end, and there will always be other opportunities. It's worth it to wait for an opportunity that gives us time to research properly before committing to it.