What are predatory journals and how can I avoid them?

1. What Are Predatory Journals?

Predatory journals are unethical or deceptive academic publishers that exploit researchers by charging publication fees without providing legitimate peer review, editorial oversight, or quality control. These journals prioritize financial gain over scholarly integrity, often accepting manuscripts with little to no scrutiny.

2. Warning Signs of Predatory Journals

A. Aggressive & Unsolicited Invitations

• Frequent emails inviting researchers to submit papers, even if the topic is unrelated to their field.
• Invitations for editorial board membership without any prior engagement.

B. Lack of Peer Review & Editorial Standards

• Manuscripts are accepted within days or even hours after submission.
• No evidence of a rigorous peer-review process.
• Editorial board members are either unqualified, nonexistent, or falsely listed without consent.

C. High & Hidden Publication Fees

• Unexpected Article Processing Charges (APCs) after submission.
• Fees that are significantly higher or suspiciously lower than reputable open-access journals.
• Payment requested before peer review or acceptance.

D. Fake Indexing & Impact Factor Claims

• Claims to be indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, or PubMed, but not listed in their official databases.
• Use of fake impact factors from dubious sources (e.g., misleading "Global Impact Factor").

E. Poor Website & Journal Information

• Low-quality website with grammatical errors and fake contact details.
• ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) mismatch or no valid ISSN.
• Scope covers excessively broad topics unrelated to its original mission.

3. How to Avoid Predatory Journals

A. Check Reputable Indexing Databases

• Verify if the journal is indexed in trusted sources such as:
• Web of Science (WoS)
• Scopus
• DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals)
• PubMed (for medical sciences)

B. Use Blacklists & Whitelists

• Beall’s List of Predatory Journals (Unofficial but useful reference).
• Cabell’s Predatory Reports (Paid access).

C. Assess the Journal’s Peer Review Process

• Read author guidelines and past publications to check for research quality.
• Contact editorial board members to verify their affiliation.
• Look for clear timelines and policies on peer review.

D. Cross-Check Publisher Details

• Legitimate journals are usually published by recognized academic societies, universities, or established publishers like Springer, Elsevier, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, and IEEE.
• Review the publisher’s reputation and previous issues of the journal.

4. Role of Scholar9 & OJSCloud in Avoiding Predatory Journals

Scholar9 provides guidance on selecting reputable journals and avoiding predatory publishers. OJSCloud supports legitimate academic publishing by offering structured journal management systems that ensure transparency, ethical peer review, and compliance with academic standards.

5. Conclusion

Predatory journals undermine the credibility of research and can harm an academic’s reputation. Researchers must carefully evaluate journals before submission, ensuring they follow ethical publishing standards, rigorous peer review, and are indexed in reputable databases. Always conduct due diligence to protect your work and academic integrity.