Yeah, you obviously have had some bad luck. You need to develop a relationship first before taking money. Get to know them and figure out the kind of person(s) they are first. Careful reading and review of the contract with a trusted party is also very important. It's a two way street so if they want to invest in you they also need to prove their own worthiness.
I assume you don't have a 401k, IRA, or invest in stocks?