Check the fundamentals
Is the project open source? Does it have reproducible builds on GitHub, a white paper, or any public docs? This is key to transparency.
Understand the real value
Is there a real use case? If it’s just hype and vague promises, that’s a red flag.
Look for audits
Independent audits from reputable cybersecurity firms are strong indicators that the team takes security seriously.
A solid presence on Telegram, X, or Discord matters—but watch for spammy content, bots, or inflated counts. Look at both the size and the quality of engagement.
Cross-check multiple sources
Never rely on just one tweet or blog post. Use platforms like CoinGecko, DeFiLlama, and Nomis Protocol to build a full picture and make informed decisions.