Website only
If an investment opportunity is presented to you online, you should do a significant amount of research to determine that there is a legitimate organisation behind it. If a company is legitimate then they will have a valid Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL).
Too good to be true
If the returns that you are being promised on an investment sound too good to be true then there is a good chance that they are.
Cold calls
Receiving a cold call with an investment offer should raise your suspicions instantly. Organisations with legitimate investment opportunities usually do not need to resort to cold calling.
No risk
Any investment offer that claims to be risk free should be treated with caution. Even the most stable investment options carry a small amount of risk, and no respectable professional should claim an option is risk free.
Pressure to act
Sales people who pressure you to make an investment decision fast, for example by telling you that the opportunity will expire quickly, should be treated with caution. It is possible that they are trying to prevent you from conducting independent research.
You should never feel pressured to make a hasty decision regarding any kind of investment.