There’s an old saying that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

That’s the topic of a U.S. Postal Service alert issued during National Consumer Protection Week, especially when it comes to investment opportunities or “get rich quick” schemes.

“Whether they sell bogus securities or commodities, oil wells, rare coins, or cybercurrency, these fraudulent promoters try to convince potential victims to invest their hard-earned money,” the U.S. Postal Inspector Service’s website noted. “Every year, thousands of trusting and optimistic investors are scammed out of a few dollars, a few thousand dollars, or their entire life savings. Even the most experienced and savvy investor can be caught up in a cleverly disguised and well-orchestrated investment scam.”

The most common of these scams are known as Ponzi schemes. These schemes rely on money from investors rather than actual profit to pay promised returns. Other common types of investment scams involve oil and gas production and gold coin scams. These types of scams use telephone solicitors, high-pressure sales tactics, and carefully scripted sales pitches to guarantee high profits only to result in the target losing money, USPIS warns.

So what do you do to protect yourself? Here’s what USPIS recommends:

• Do your research – Independently verify profitability claims. Never rely solely on what you read in provided information.
• Beware of online sources – Scammers can spoof websites and use fake social media accounts to obscure their identities. Look closely at content and pay careful attention to domain names.
• Beware of fake reviews – Scammers often reference or publish positive yet bogus testimonials purportedly drafted by satisfied customers.
• Don’t feel pressured – Watch out for high-pressure sales pitches and unsolicited offers. Get all information in writing before you invest.
• Watch out for “once in a lifetime” opportunities – Never fall for “once in a lifetime” chances to make big money, especially if it comes with pressure to act quickly.
• Check the Better Business Bureau – Research the company through the Better Business Bureau of the state attorney general’s office.