Will not stop from being scammed but some common sense things you can do is check some stats at whoisdomain. Server stats, how many IP changes, visitors, etc. How many domains are on the servers. Where are the servers located? Do you want your sites hosted in Timbuktu? You can get a bit of a "feel" what the site is doing. When it was registered, how long is it registered for etc. Do they own different extensions for their domain? I am a re-seller for Go-daddy myself. Its true you need money for start up. Sure I have some customers around the world, but they do not generate much money. Have all my own domains registered there so that makes it convenient. I know my registry is going to be there. Me and Godaddy. If they go down, may as well close shop anyway. There may be the odd re-seller that makes good on the first year, but do not hold your breathe.