👉 Documents to request, checks to do, checklists and warning signs
“"It's something for a select few. You become a millionaire effortlessly."”
“This is a unique opportunity, but you have to decide now.”
“Guaranteed returns, zero risk.”
If this sounds familiar, stop for a second.
All that glitters is not gold.
But not everything new is a scam 😉
The truth is that most people don't know how to recognize a scam because nobody teaches it analysis phase.
At Progetto Libertà, we place great importance on all aspects of training and preparation. We believe it's the only way to enable us to make informed and beneficial choices. Here you'll find a practical, step-by-step guide to help you understand. What to ask, what to check, and how to make an informed decision 💪
🧩 INDEX
1️⃣ Understanding the psychology of scams
Behind every scam there is not only a "smart guy", but a psychological strategy studied down to the millimetre.
Scammers don't sell products: they sell emotions.
And they do it using mental levers that have always worked — fear, greed, urgency, status, belonging.
💭 The basic principle
“They do not deceive you with mere lies, but with what they want to make you believe.”
The more a message confirms what you want (more money, freedom, success, independence), the more you lower your defenses.
And this is where the techniques come into play. emotional persuasion.
🧠 The 4 most used psychological levers
Urgency – “Offer valid only today or in a very short time”
They push you to make decisions without time to reflect.
The brain, under pressure, looks for shortcuts and stops reasoning.Apparent authority – “We collaborate with large banks / we are partners of the ECB, FED, large FUNDS”
They often use copied logos, fake websites, or poorly translated “licenses.”.
The goal is to create automatic trust by leveraging those who have authority in the field. Attention sometimes the strategy involves the use of two figures: direct contact with the “Big” and the “authoritative” shoulder elevates (edification) and defends the first figure.Social proof – “Look how many are already earning”
They show you fake screenshots, made-up reviews, or non-existent testimonials.
They make you believe that you are “the only one left out”.Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) – “If you don't come in now, tomorrow will be too late.”
They push you to imagine the regret, not the risk.
It's a perfect trap for those who "don't want to be left behind".
💬 Typical Interview Phrases (to Recognize Immediately)
Here is a realistic list of phrases that should raise an immediate alarm:
(ps often the interviews take place on Whatsapp or similar without even showing their faces)
| 🎣 Common phrase | 🚨 Real translation |
|---|---|
| “It's a project reserved for a few, we won't let everyone in” | They want to make you feel special, so you sign faster |
| “I am a former bank director/former CEO/former managing director (must express authority) and I know perfectly how it works, there are company secrets that cannot be disclosed for privacy/security reasons.” | They don't want you to ask too many questions |
| “The first group of people who didn't miss out on this opportunity has already left. There are very few slots left for the second round, and then we'll talk about it in a few months. So be careful, because you risk being left out.” | They are manipulating you with peer pressure |
| “The capital is guaranteed 100% by insurance policies” | No investment is without risk. They want to use the "you're insured" lever to reassure you and make you more vulnerable. |
| “We have a European license, even if you can't find our location on Google.” | They are covering up a key piece of information |
| “You can’t talk about it outside/you can’t share the documents, it’s an exclusive project.” | They want to isolate you from those who could open your eyes |
| “I’ll show you proof of the earnings in my account.” | Screenshots or demo accounts passed off as real. They are used to entice you and exploit your greed. |
| “If you don’t decide now, you lose priority.” | They're testing how manipulable you are. |
⚖️ The most dangerous paradox
The more a person is optimistic, confident, or generous, the more likely you are to fall into the trap.
Not out of naivety, but because it tends to see the good even where this is just a well-crafted script.
Modern scams are no longer based on "I'll catch you and run away", but on create an emotional bond with yourself:
they call you by name,
they write to you on WhatsApp,
they talk to you like a friend or mentor.
👉 It is precisely this familiarity that lowers your defenses 😅
🔐 How to defend yourself mentally
Train yourself to don't decide right away.
When you feel pressure, breathe and postpone.
If a proposal excites you too much, it is not wrong in itself, but take your time to stop and ask yourself why.
Remember: who is really serious he's in no hurry for you to sign.
2️⃣ The 5 warning signs (“red flags”)
The 90% of modern scams is recognizable before even reading the contracts.
Just listen as they talk to you, what words do they use And how much they rush you.
You don't need to be a financial expert.
You need to know how to read the invisible signals 😎
🚩 1. Promises that are “too good to be true”
Typical phrases:
“Guaranteed returns.”
“Zero risk.”
“15 million a month for 10 months.”
“It's a secret operation, backed by the Federal Reserve.”
No serious investment uses these terms.
Whoever needs to "guarantee" you off-the-charts earnings is actually trying to sell you a dream which could easily cloud your judgment.
Example dialogue:
A: “But how do they manage to make so much money?”
B: “They are private channels, not accessible to the public.”
👉 Translation: If you can't verify them, they don't exist. Every product must necessarily have an underlying verifiable And sustainable.
🚩 2. Pressure and urgency
The scammer knows that before he can get to your money he must “steal” your time.
Because if you have too much space to think, he knows he risks losing you.
Typical phrases:
“You have to confirm by this evening.”
“The operating window closes tomorrow.”
“If you don’t get in now, you lose your chance.”
The brain under pressure activates the mode “fight or flight”, and in that mode he doesn't think clearly.
Example dialogue:
A: “I need a few days to think about it.”
B: “I understand, but tomorrow there will be no more places.”
👉 Translation: No serious opportunity expires in 24 hours.
🚩 3. Lack of transparency
The more you ask, the more annoyed they get.
The more you ask, the more the gist of their argument turns into: I'm the expert who knows – you “don't need to understand everything”.
Typical phrases:
“I'll send you the contract after the bank transfer.”
“You will only be able to see the contract in person at our offices in…”
“We can’t give too many details due to confidentiality.”
“We are covered by international policies, but I can’t tell you which ones.”
A legitimate company provides you certificates, licenses, VAT numbers, headquarters, names and surnames.
If they don't give them right away, they are hiding something.
Example dialogue:
A: “Can you send me the company registration?”
B: “In this case it is not necessary because we are covered by a Trust.”
👉 Translation: they are using complex words to confuse you
🚩 4. Use only private channels
The classic tactic: sometimes they start on an “official” platform, then they bring you to WhatsApp or Telegram.
From there there is no trace, nor legal protection.
Typical phrases:
“I’ll write to you privately, I’ll explain better there.”
“I can’t talk about certain things on Zoom.”
“We have a dedicated group for serious investors.”
A serious company isn't afraid to share/publish all the details on its official channels… It doesn't ask you to delve deeper only on untraceable channels.
Example dialogue:
A: “Will you send me an official email with all the documentation and verifiable data?”
B: “We prefer to manage everything on WhatsApp, it's faster.”
👉 Translation: they want to leave few written traces that can be easily contested
🚩 5. Abnormal money flow
It's red flag number one.
A recurring saying is precisely “Follow The Money” –> always follow where the money goes.
Typical phrases:
“Wire transfer to a foreign account held by an intermediary.”
“The main company is in an offshore jurisdiction for tax reasons.”
“We can’t issue an invoice, but I’ll give you a signed receipt.”
Whenever funds do not pass through an account registered to the official company, you're in the red zone 😅
Example dialogue:
A: “Who should I make the bank transfer to?”
B: “To a trusted person who manages funds for the group.”
👉 Translation: money disappeared in 3, 2, 1… bye bye 💸💸💸
⚠️ Visual summary: the "2 out of 5 rule"“
If you find even just 2 red flags out of 5, stop.
If you find 3 or more, there is no doubt: it's a trap.
💡 Practical advice
Save this list.
Read it every time someone offers you an investment, a business or a collaboration.
Often, it will only take you 2 minutes to understand whether you're dealing with an opportunity worth exploring or a classic scam.
3️⃣ Documents and checks to be done (“due diligence”)
The investment scams they don't strike by chance: they strike whoever does not verify.
Whenever someone offers you a “sure deal,” think:
“Okay, but did I check it or am I just taking your word for it?”
Do due diligence this is exactly what it means:
check before investing, not after losing money 😉
📑 1. How to verify a company
The first step is check who is in front of you.
Never trust just the name or website.
Minimum business audit checklist:
✅ Chamber of Commerce certificate updated (you can get it in a few minutes on registroimprese.it)
– Check: registered office, date of incorporation, share capital, sole director or shareholders.
✅ VAT number active (check on agenziaentrate.gov.it or VIES if EU).
✅ Official website with a consistent domain (.it, .com, .eu). Observe how long it has been open (on registrer.it) and see if it is consistent with what you have been told.
✅ Presence in public registers (for financial companies, check OAM, CONSOB, Bank of Italy).
👉 Remember aesthetics ≠ credibility. The site is made in an afternoon, a Chamber of Commerce certificate No.
🧾 2. How to read a contract
A contract must explain who does what, at what risks and under what conditions.
Many online scams or investment scams they hide behind small print or deliberately ambiguous clauses.
Here's what to watch before signing:
Clear subject: If you don't understand what you're buying or financing, don't sign.
Risks explained: Every serious investment has a section dedicated to "potential risks." If it's missing, it's a warning signal.
Penalties: check the withdrawal conditions and exit costs.
Jurisdiction: Read where the law applies (Italy? Switzerland? Emirates?).
Money flow: Where do the funds come from and where do they arrive? (Beware of trusts or offshore vehicles).
Typical dialogue:
A: “But do you need a lawyer to read it?”
B: “It’s not necessary, it’s just bureaucracy.”
👉 Translation: if they discourage you from reading it, It's because they don't want you to understand it.
💰 3. Analyze the flow of money
This is the most important check of all.
Always follow the money, not the words.
Questions to ask yourself before any transfer:
The account is in the name of official company?
I will receive invoice or receipt?
Is this a business or personal account?
The funds go to Italy or abroad?
There is a contract describing the flow and the return methods?
Real example:
They offer you a real estate investment with ROI 12%.
Ask “Can I see the property details and the owner’s name?”
They reply: “It's all managed by a foreign trust vehicle.”
👉 Red flag: It's not clear where your money is going = maximum risk.
🔍 4. Reputation Check (the most underrated)
Today It only takes 10 minutes of online research to avoid months of problems.
Type on Google:
Company name + “scam”
Administrator name + “reviews”
Headquarters address + “fake company”
Then check on:
LinkedIn (see if the profiles are real or generic)
Trustpilot (you can spot fake reviews: all perfect, all short, all written on the same day)
Forums and Reddit (often the first to report anomalies).
Typical dialogue:
A: “But I can't find much information on Google.”
B: “The Company has just been reconstituted” or “This type of investment is classified for privacy and confidentiality reasons”
👉 Translation: Being "new" is neither a bad thing nor a good thing in itself, but if they've made so many customers happy, they can't help but have a modicum of social proof. There must be consistency!
🧩 5. Personal due diligence
In addition to the documents, you need a change of mentality:
Don't feel out of place asking questions, understanding and comprehending is your job. sacred right.
Don’t be intimidated by those who use technical jargon (“trust”, “platform trading”, “SBLC”).
And above all, don't confuse transparency with sympathy. The modern scammer usually doesn't attack you: he pampers you.
📎 Remember: Whoever is serious responds with documents.
Those who have something to hide respond mainly with words.
✅ Mini “anti-scam” checklist”
| Check | State |
|---|---|
| Verified Chamber of Commerce certificate | ☐ |
| Active and real VAT number | ☐ |
| Contract read and understood | ☐ |
| Clear and traceable flow of money | ☐ |
| Verifiable reviews and reputation | ☐ |
| No urgency or emotional pressure | ☐ |
If even only one of these points remains pending, carefully consider whether to proceed.
💬 To sum up
There due diligence it's not being suspicious: it's financial education.
You don't need to be an expert, you just need to ask and use your own discernment:
“Where is it written?”
“Who guarantees it?”
“Can I check?”
When you learn to apply these concepts, you will no longer feel uncomfortable or suspicious/mistrustful regardless, but you will be able to analyze And choose with clarity, serenity and awareness ☺️
4️⃣ How to Read a Contract Without Getting Ripped Off
Assuming that you get to read a written contract, it will be of fundamental importance to understand how to read it and what are the classic elements that distinguish a potential fraud.
The problem is not that they don't make you sign: but that they make you sign something you don't understand 😅
A contract does not simply serve to "trust" more because there is something written; it serves to protect your investment and yourself in case something goes wrong.
📜 1. The golden rule: if it's not written, it doesn't exist
Everything they tell you verbally it has no legal value.
Only what appears black on white in the contract counts (“scripta manent verba volant” the Latins used to say).
Typical dialogue:
A: “They told me I can go out whenever I want.”
B: “Yes, but it can’t be written in the contract.”
👉 Translation: What they “tell you” flies like a leaf in the wind, what you sign remains.
👉 Basic rule:
Never sign until you read All.
If something is missing, which is vital for you, you demand that it be added in writing
If something is not clear, have it explained until you understand it at 100%.
⚠️ 2. How to read a contract: the critical sections
Many people think that reading a contract means “skimming through it quickly.”.
Actually, you need a strategic and careful reading.
Here's where the most common scams hide:
🧩 a) Object of the contract
Check that it describes clearly what you are buying or investing in.
If you read vague terms like “program”, “trading platform”, “potential returns”, you are faced with a gray area.
💰 b) Money flow
Check who receives the funds And where they end.
The beneficiary of the transfer must be the same name that appears on the contract.
If they tell you “the payment goes into a trust or personal account”, it's a red flag.
⏱️ c) Duration and withdrawal
It's the section where they hide the legal cages.
If you can't get out at any time, or if there are penalties for the withdrawal, you need to know how much do you lose and under what conditions.
Typical dialogue:
A: “Can I cancel whenever I want?”
B: “Yes, but there are administrative costs.”
👉 Translation: penalties disguised as “expenses”.
📄 d) Risks and penalties
Search for the word “"risk"”. If it isn't there, it's already a warning bell.
Every serious contract specifies what happens if the investment goes badly.
If the only scenario described is the “positive” one, we have another red flag.
🌍 e) Jurisdiction
It is one of the most underrated clauses.
It establishes where you should sue in case of problems.
If you read “jurisdiction: Dubai, London, Delaware”, know that you will never be able to defend yourself.
🧠 3. Hidden Clauses (and How to Spot Them)
Scammers love to write in small print and in technical jargon.
Here are some catchphrases that should make you raise your eyebrows:
| Clause | Real translation |
|---|---|
| “The capital may be temporarily used for parallel operations.” | They can move your money wherever they want. |
| “Estimated return, not guaranteed.” | They're telling you that you might not see a single euro. |
| “The parties agree to resolution through foreign arbitration.” | Goodbye Italian court. |
| “Tacit acceptance within 48 hours.” | If you don't respond, it's considered "accepted.". |
| “The company may change the conditions at any time.” | They change the rules whenever they want. |
🔍 4. How to check the consistency of the contract
When you read a contract, look for inconsistencies:
Company name in contract ≠ bank account name? 🚨
Different office address between header and attachments? 🚨
Representative's signature without legible name? 🚨
Missing date or page numbering? 🚨
Every formal anomaly is a signal: the more confusion there is, the higher the risks are.
🗣️ 5. Get help (but in the right way)
You don't need to pay a lawyer every time, but at least once external technical reading, It can often save you a lot of trouble.
There are three levels of help possible:
A legal advisor to verify terms and jurisdiction.
A financial advisor to understand flows and taxation.
A neutral second opinion (a friend or colleague who has no interest in the deal). Even better if you can reach out to an entrepreneur/investor.
Typical dialogue:
A: “Can I have one of my consultants read it?”
B: "Better not, you risk not understanding the form." or "The documents are confidential; disclosing them to third parties exposes you to the risk of penalties."“
👉 Translation: I want to isolate you. Those who seek this configuration may need to hide the truth.
✅ Mini Contract Survival Checklist
☐ I read every page and I understand what I'm signing.
☐ I checked who receives the money And where does my money go.
☐ I checked risks and penalties written in clear text.
☐ I read the jurisdiction and I know in which country the contract is valid.
☐ I asked for and got a version signed by both parties.
💬 To sum up
A clear contract he is not afraid of being read.
Anyone who discourages you from reading or tells you “you don’t need to understand” is already violating the first rule of transparency.
👉 It's not a question of mistrust, it's discipline:
read, ask, check, and Don't sign anything until you're clear on every single point..
So next time you won't have to ask yourself “are they ripping me off?”,
but you can calmly say:
“I don't sign, because I know how to read a contract.”
5️⃣ Final Checklist: The 5 Steps to Making a Cool Decision
Once you get here, you have all the tools to recognize a scam.
Now comes the hardest part: don't let yourself be overwhelmed by emotions.
Traps cannot be overcome with intuition alone; having a clear mental process certainly puts you on a much more advantageous level.
Here is the definitive checklist, in 5 practical steps.
🧊 1. Listen without obligation
Don't refuse right away, but do not accept anything.
Listen as if you were an investigator, not a potential client.
✅ No signatures
✅ No bank transfers
✅ No ID documents sent
At this stage you observe, you don't act.
🕵️♂️ 2. Ask for proof
Every serious opportunity governs calmly also the uncomfortable questions.
Always ask:
Chamber of Commerce certificate or official register
VAT number and registered office
Written contract
Name and surname of the person managing the funds
Proof of where the money goes
Typical dialogue:
A: “Can you send me the certificate and the contract?”
B: “Sure, but first let me see that you’re interested.”
👉 Translation: If I have to commit before seeing evidence, there is no seriousness.
🔍 3. Check it yourself
Never trust the “evidence” they provide you.
Check alone, on official sources.
✅ Website registroimprese.it → Chamber of Commerce certificate
✅ Google Maps → Check physical location
✅ LinkedIn/Instagram/Youtube/Facebook → check profiles
✅ Trustpilot or forum → real warning signs
✅ Google → name + “scam” / “reviews” / “complaint”
Typical dialogue:
A: “I checked the VAT number, it doesn’t exist.”
B: “It's normal, we're under renovation.”
👉 Translation: they are making it up on the spot.
⚖️ 4. Assess the risks
Before you sign or pay, ask yourself:
“If tomorrow goes badly, what do I really lose?”
You do a worst-case scenario and write it on paper:
I lose X euros
I can't get them back for Y months
I have penalties or contractual blocks
No legal guarantee in Italy
If even one of these points makes you hesitate, stop.
💡 True freedom is not saying "yes" to everything, but knowing how to say "no" with clarity 💪
🧭 5. Make a cold decision
The last step is wait at least 24 hours.
Unplug the emotional part, close the chat and sleep on it.
The next day, ask yourself:
Does this still convince me?
What do I feel that hasn't been clearly explained to me yet?
Do I feel the need to talk to someone?
💬 Serious opportunities don't expire in 24 hours. Scams do.
✅ Operational Summary: "AFVVD Method"“
| Phase | Action | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| A | Listen without obligation | Staying clear-headed |
| F | Ask questions and request evidence | Dismantle the manipulation |
| V | Check it yourself | Compare facts and words |
| V | Assess the risks | Understanding what you stand to lose |
| D | Decide when you're cold | Act only from a neutral position |
💬 To sum up
Be careful it doesn't mean being afraid, means knowing how to choose with power.
Whoever wants you to be free will tell you: “Check it out.”
Whoever wants to scam you will tell you: “Trust me.”
👉 The difference between a scam and an opportunity can be translated into a night's sleep and five more questions.
✉️ Conclusion
Recognizing a scam isn't paranoia.
It's clarity. It's respect for your time, your money, your energy.
True financial freedom doesn't come from "saying yes" to everything, but from knowing when to say no.
The Way of Love reminds you that clarity is a form of protection and wisdomThe more you learn to observe and listen to your perceptions, the more your state of awareness will move away from experiences that are inconvenient for you.
Today itself:
Stop before you say “yes.”.
Ask for evidence and check the facts.
Please allow at least 24 hours before proceeding.
If you make all this a practice, you will see that it will take less and less time and it will be easier and easier. distinguish a SCAM from a real opportunity.
Thanks for being with me.
Now go and create your freedom—the real one.
David Bottero
Co-Founder of Progetto Libertà
English 
Italian