The rise of predatory journals began around the time open-access journals became popular. While open-access journals typically charge authors a fee to cover publishing costs, predatory journals exploit this by tricking researchers into paying for publication in a journal that doesn't actually provide the benefits of expert peer-reviewed or academic value that a legitimate journal would.

What Are Predatory Journals?  

Predatory publishing, carried out by predatory journals, refers to deceptive practices by fake journals created solely for profit. These journals often lack scientific value and do not follow any ethical considerations in academic research or rigorous peer review standards. As a result, their acceptance rates for submitted research are high, primarily because their goal is to make money, not advance academic knowledge.

Who Are the Targets?

• Researchers From Developing Institutions

Those from less well-established institutions or countries where access to quality academic publishing opportunities is limited. These researchers may not have the experience or support to differentiate between legitimate and predatory outlets    

• Early-career researchers, graduate students, and those under pressure to publish quickly

These individuals, eager to disseminate their work, fall into the "pay and get published" trap. After paying the fees, they receive an acceptance letter within days and see their work published without proper peer review, which often damages their credibility.  

What Happens if You Publish in a Predatory Journal?  

It’s essential for researchers to carefully evaluate the journals they consider for submitting their work. Predatory journals create the illusion of being reputable and indexed in trusted databases when in reality, they are not.

Publishing in these journals, especially without realising their nature, can be a serious pitfall. Such publications offer no meaningful academic value and can significantly harm a researcher’s reputation. It is a total waste of time, effort and money. 

How to Spot Predatory Journals  

In the following points, we'll explore the characteristics of predatory journals and how to distinguish them from legitimate ones. We'll also discuss ways to verify journals and identify the predatory ones.

As mentioned earlier, predatory journals use several deceptive tactics. Some of the key signs to look for include:

• Their names could be similar to one of the top academic journals.
• Their publishing policies, evaluation standards, and editorial board details are unclear or vague.
• They tend to display fake impact factors (IF).
• They typically charge high publication fees.
• They often have unusually high acceptance rates for submitted research.
• Most have rapid publication processes, often completed in just days or weeks.
• They could be indexed in fake or unreliable databases.
• They often send unsolicited marketing emails urging researchers to submit their work, promising quick publication.

Ways to Verify the Credibility of a Journal:  

To safeguard your work, follow these tips:  

• Check Trusted Databases

Look up the journal in reputable databases like Zendy or Web of Science. These platforms can help you verify the journal’s indexing and journals classification, giving you a sense of its academic performance.

• Use Beall's List

Visit beallslist.net, you will see a list of predatory journals, search for the journal or its publisher. Beall's list provides insights into potentially predatory journals and publishers, helping you identify any red flags.

• Use Think, Check, Submit Tools

Utilise the tools provided by Think, Check, Submit. This resource offers a step-by-step guide to evaluate journals, making it easier to decide where to publish your research.

• Take a Thorough Approach

It’s essential to use multiple tools and methods rather than relying on a single one. None of these methods provide a definitive judgment on a journal’s credibility, but together they give a clearer picture. Always take the time to research thoroughly before submitting your work.

• Consult University Resources: 

Academic institutions often provide curated lists of trusted journals and warnings about predatory journals.  

Are All Open-Access Journals Predatory?

No, not all Open Access (OA) journals are predatory. Open Access is a publishing model designed to make scholarly research freely available to the public, promoting knowledge sharing and accessibility. Unfortunately, the model can sometimes be exploited by predatory journals that prioritise profit over academic integrity.

Conclusion 

Staying cautious is key to avoiding the risks associated with predatory journals, and preserving academic integrity. Take the time to verify journal legitimacy, and rely on trusted databases and resources to ensure your work is published in a credible platform that aligns with your academic goals.