How to differentiate between scam online investment and the real thing? thanks :)?

Assume that they are all scams.

They're all scams buddy. The only way to make money is to work hard and be patient. Or...Start your own MLM internet scam.

if you get e-mail offering you money, or an easy way to make money, it is a scam.

1. If it's too good to be true, it probably is and it's a scam.
2. If it promises any kind of return, it's a scam.
3. If it is based on a "secret investment trick" it's a scam.
4. If it is advertised to you in the form of an e-mail, it's a scam
5. If they aren't registered with the SEC, it's likely a scam.
6. If "you must invest now to take advantage of this opportunity" it's a scam
7. If you have to send money to Nigeria it's a scam.
8. If it is full of grammar errors and misspellings, it's a scam.
9. If you found it online, it's most likely a scam. :)

99% of online investment opportunities are legitimate. That is they are a legitimate way to lose all of the money you put into them. No inventment advice that is worth anything is ever going to jump at you and promise a guranteed return. If you want to make money, find a legitimate brokerage, whether online or brick and mortar. You can do a google search in hopes of finding a online database listing all reported scams and buddy, they are almost always accurate. The internet has made scamming a huge business once again due to it providing annonymity and free communication. You should avoid any "opportunity" to embark on an investment promoted online.

They are all scams, you just have to find a way to turn the tables so you can make money off as many scams as possible.