Beware of Predatory Journals

To avoid predatory journals, remember the “Stop, Check, Ask, Verify, Record” strategy:

🛑 Stop – Don’t rush to submit

At the end of writing, researchers may feel exhausted and eager to publish quickly. But take a pause. Some journals demand copyright transfer immediately upon submission or acceptance, leaving you without withdrawal rights. If copyright or licensing terms are unclear, verify before proceeding.

👀 Check – Is the journal reliable?

• Search whitelists such as Web of Science (SCI/SSCI), Scopus, DOAJ, or OASPA.

• Confirm the Impact Factor (IF) via Journal Citation Reports (JCR). If a journal claims to have an IF but is not listed in JCR, it may be false.

• Review past publications for quality and check the editorial board’s background and stability.

👂 Ask – What does the academic community say?

• Look online for feedback from other researchers.

• Consult colleagues, supervisors, or your library for advice.

❓ Verify – Clarify fees and policies

Before submission, confirm whether fees are charged, how much, and what the publication process involves. Watch out for hidden charges.

📝 Record – Keep evidence of your checks

• Save your verification process (screenshots, documents).

• If the journal demands unexpected fees, your records can prove lack of disclosure and help avoid disputes.

• Documentation also protects you in case a journal publishes your paper without consent, preventing you from submitting elsewhere.

📌 Extra Tip
Refer to the Think. Check. Submit. checklist and videos to learn how to choose a trustworthy journal. Stay alert—fraud tactics evolve, but with information literacy and caution, you can avoid predatory traps.

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