How to differentiate trustworthy people and business offers from scams?

[crazymao]

A man, Executive VP/Business Development of The Silicon Valley Space Center (at least that's what his title says) contacted me and wants to do business together, build a software application and license it. The problem is that I'm a student, 19, he found me through a service similar to LinkedIn and saw my previous work which is mostly hobby and not really impressive. I have no clue why such a serious businessman would choose me. Even though this is exciting and if real would be an amazing opportunity, it sounds way too good to be true and I'm not sure if I should proceed. Also I live in Canada and he is in the US, not the most rational set up either. What to do

 

[Proserpina]

How on earth are we meant to know?

On the offchance this isn't seed spam, I'll say this.

Google is your friend.

 

[quincy]

A man, Executive VP/Business Development of The Silicon Valley Space Center (at least that's what his title says) contacted me and wants to do business together, build a software application and license it. The problem is that I'm a student, 19, he found me through a service similar to LinkedIn and saw my previous work which is mostly hobby and not really impressive. I have no clue why such a serious businessman would choose me. Even though this is exciting and if real would be an amazing opportunity, it sounds way too good to be true and I'm not sure if I should proceed. Also I live in Canada and he is in the US, not the most rational set up either. What to do

I agree with Proserpina. With the dearth of information you have provided, there is no way we can even attempt to advise you. If you think something sounds too be too good to be true, however, it is generally not something you want to believe.

 

[Dave1952]

You're not looking for legal advice. So, does this guy want to hire you? Probably not. Bet he wants you to work as an independent contractor. Nothing wrong with that but If you've no experience as a contractor then you'll need to learn really fast or turn down his request.

 

[quincy]

crazymao should proceed with extreme caution, if he proceeds at all.

Building a software application for someone in a different country, based on nothing more than what the person claims to be, has "red flag" written all over it.