The most common way authors get entangled with publishing scams is through unsolicited emails asking authors to submit to a journal. These emails might:
However, some emails may appear legitimate, so all invitations to publish should be carefully evaluated.
Common tactics of predatory journals include
Using journal titles that are the same or slightly different from legitimate journals. Predatory publishers may also mimic another journal's website or use another journal's ISSN.
Making vague or false claims about their services, quality, or identity. This could include false claims about metrics like the Journal Impact Factor, inclusion in journal indexes like Web of Science, and editorial board members who may not exist or whose names may be listed without their knowledge.
Making claims that sound positive but do not demonstrate quality or legitimacy. For example, a journal might claim to be indexed by Google Scholar, which is a search engine, not a journal index. Google Scholar search results include articles published in a wide range of journals, including predatory journals, so a journal having its articles included in Google Scholar is not an indicator of its legitimacy.
Promising a very short turnaround for peer review and acceptance. Quality peer review takes time. Placing emphasis on unusually short turnaround times may be a sign of deceptive tactics as well as a sign that peer review will not occur.
Mentioning an imminent deadline for submission. This may be a tactic to instill a sense of urgency in authors. The shorter the deadline, the more cautious authors should be about submitting.
Offering very low publishing charges (for example, $150 dollars or less). This may be another deceptive tactic intended to entice unsuspecting authors into submitting their articles.
Engaging in deceptive and unethical business practices. This could include the journal asking for additional hidden fees after accepting an article for publication.
Including an overly broad or confusing range of subjects in the journal's scope. The journal's scope may be unclear, overly broad, or include seemingly unrelated subjects. It may also emphasize that it accepts a wide range of articles types. This may be a tactic to maximize the number of authors who might be willing to submit and, ultimately, maximize profits.
Requesting or allowing articles to be submitted by email rather than through a submission system.
Poor website quality. Check the journal's website for spelling and grammar errors, distorted images, and unprofessional design. These can indicate a lack of credibility. Websites may also be missing key information, such as submission guidelines, an article retraction policy, a digital preservation plan for content, or a copyright policy.
Use these resources to verify claims about the journal's ISSN, Journal Impact Factor, or inclusion in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) or Web of Science journal indexes.
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