so many methods and factors was considered here. some of them could be really useful.
but here guys my way of detection high risky and similar to scam projects. there're 3 simply steps that could help you to clarify the things that make you doubt in ico. it is very simple but could help you to filter out "bad" ico at an early stage.
1) first of all check the project team, who these people are, how competent they are, their activity in social networks, the past experience etc.
2) next step is analysis of social and media channels: study all social and media channels, what the audience things about the project, what activity and popularity of the project as a whole. just check out the feedback of community. i'ts not enough just know who is adviser at the project. i mean that the ico should be discussed by investors and by project's target audience. it will show you the engagement of other possible participants.
3) finally you should create your own check-list, according to which you should study the project in a complex way. but... probably it should be the first step...
anyway, just think about your personal requirements and conditions that ico should match. it will really help you to filter out all "bad" ico.
so to be positively selected for investment, ico should have: idea and resolution of some problem; strong and qualified team and successful pr compaign.
all mentioned things sighn that the company have stable financing, a good management structure and good community support.