How to find a predatory journal: Prevent yourself from getting scammed

Predatory journal: identification and prevention

Authors

Keywords:

beall’s list, fake, phishing, predatory journal, scam

Abstract

Jaffrey Beall defined predatory journals and created Beall’s list of predatory journals. Predatory journals exploit the open-access model - they are dishonest and lack transparency. Predatory journals fully developed in the years 2013 and 2014. Developing countries like South Asian and African countries with emerging research fields have the majority of authors published in predatory journals. Predatory journals are even found in reputed databases like PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) database, Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), and EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE). There are numerous fake profiles in Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Google; although they have been timely deleting such fake profiles. Journals must use institutional email addresses to maintain professionalism and quality. Focusing on quantity over quality of research papers, and lack of proper knowledge about predatory journals make new researchers victimized by such journals. This paper aims to provide proper knowledge about predatory journals and deliver useful tips to prevent genuine researchers from getting victimized by such journals. This paper also intends to provide thorough knowledge about fake social media accounts and email addresses used by such journals, and the importance of institutional email addresses.

Author Biographies

Sanjib Koirala, Nepal Medical Volunteer Society, Morang, Nepal

Research Mentee, Nepal Medical Volunteer Society Research Academy

Bibek Raj Parajuli, College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur, Nepal

MBBS Graduate

Unnayan Baskota, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

MBBS Graduate

Yogendra Poudel, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

MBBS Graduate

Manika Dongol, Gandaki Medical College Teaching Hospital and Research Centre, Kaski, Nepal

MBBS Student

Kishan Shrestha, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

MBBS Graduate

Abhishek Bajracharya, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

MBBS Graduate

Saraswoti Khatri, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal

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Published

2022-06-19

Issue

Section

Journalology- short communication/ Perspective/ Viewpoint