We can't really avoid seeing scam projects but that's right, you can minimize or avoid yourself by being scammed.
I guess, a lot of us at one point has been screwed by a project. Even if they are not scam, either they are not successful with their goals or they just stop the project.
So venturing into new projects is really a high risk. But if you want a better assurance, you can always look at the established coins with active application.
If by chance, you happen to encounter a new project using fake profiles. That is definitely a red flag in my opinion. Better stay away from this project.