Predatory Publishers and Conferences

Open Access is crucial for researchers to maximize the impact of their work.

It is common for publishers to charge fees, known as APCs/BPCs, to publish open access. Whilst this is a legitimate business model, it has incentivised the creation of predatory publishers that target unsuspecting researchers.

This includes journals, monographs and increasingly, conferences.

The University of Aberdeen Information Security Team routinely blocks thousands of emails from predatory publishers and conference organisers. However, as the scammers continuously adapt their tactics, it is essential that we stay vigilant to potential traps.

Anyone can become a victim. Be particularly wary if the sender/caller tries to create a sense of urgency, they may be trying to get you to panic and act quickly. Also be wary of solicitors who flatter you with promises of recognition and extravagant perks.

Remember, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Report any emails that you receive from a predatory journal or conference provider to the IT Security team.

Check out the guidance below and contact the Open Research Team if you have any questions.

Predatory Journals

When considering to publish an article, you should evaluate the publisher thoroughly. For example:

Has the publisher, unsolicited, contacted you to invite you to publish an article?
Have they requested payment, and is it clear what services will be provided?
Do you or your colleagues recognise them?
Is the journal title and publisher clearly identifiable?
Are you able to contact them by email/post/telephone?
Has the publisher specified what type of peer review is employed?
Is there a very fast turnaround from submission to publication?
Are there clear guidelines on the website for the author?
Is the journal registered on the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) ?
Is the publisher or conference provider affiliated to a recognised industry standards body such as COPE: Committee on Publication Ethics ?

If the answer to any of the above is no, email the Open Research Team for advice.

Further Reading:

Retraction Watch is a blog that shares information on scientific corrections and retractions. It raises awareness of problem papers and emphasises the importance of research ethics and good practice.

Think. Check. Submit.

Predatory Books and Chapters

When considering where to publish a book or chapter, you should evaluate the publisher thoroughly. For example:

Do you recognise the publisher and have read their work before?
Have they requested payment, and is it clear what services will be provided?
Is it easy to find books and chapters from this publisher?
Can you see what formats their outputs are (e.g. hardcover/online..)?
Are prices available?
Are you able to contact them by email/post/telephone?
Has the publisher specified what type of peer review is employed?
Is there information on the archiving and indexing services they use?
Are there clear guidelines on the website for the author?
Has the publisher registered titles on the Directory of Open Access Books (DOAB) ?
Is the publisher or conference provider affiliated to a recognised industry standards body such as The Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association (OASPA) ?

If the answer to any of the above is no, email the Open Research Team for advice.

Think. Check. Submit.

Predatory Conferences

When considering attending a conference, you should evaluate the organiser thoroughly. For example:

Do you know the society or the association organizing this conference?
Has the conference been held before?
Have you or your colleagues attended this conference before?
Is it clear what fees will be charged (conference fee, registration fees, etc.)?
Would fees be waived if you are accepted as a speaker?
If there are sponsors, do you recognise them?
Is the conference website clear and properly presented?
Is the agenda and editorial information available?
Have you read any of the papers from previous conferences?
Where will the conference papers be published?
Is there information on the archiving and indexing services used for the conference papers?
Are there clear guidelines on the website for the delegate?

If the answer to any of the above is no, email the Open Research Team for advice.

Think. Check. Attend.

What to do if you are a victim of a predatory publisher

If you find that you have been a victim of a predatory journal it can be difficult to reverse.

Write to the publisher immediately to request a withdrawl.
Do not pay for a withdrawl fee.
If you find that you have been appointed to review an article without prior agreement, contact the publisher to decline and request that they do not contact you again.
If your name or likeness has been misappropriated, contact the journal and ask that they remove your details from their website.
Make it clear on your own resources that you are not affiliated with these publications.
Contact the Open Research Team.