The Predatory Email
Below is an email I have received from a predatory publisher inviting me to submit papers and join the editorial panel:
Looks pretty legit, right? Not so fast. Let's take a closer look.
Evaluating the Email
Here are the immediate warning signs for this particular journal:
- Right up top, it promises fast publication. This is a HUGE red flag:
- The email is autogenerated and doesn't include my full name or even separates out my name from the other authors.
- Neither the title nor the description tell me much about the journal: "current and emerging issues in information science and technology" is pretty vague.
- Odd capitalization and grammar issues.
- Promises to improve my prestige in my "areas." False promises and vagueness in one sentence!
- No contact information or title given for the person who sent the email.
- Email came from generic "paper" email address.
- Email address @ajcem.net does not match url of journal ajist.org.
Another sign that a journal may be predatory is if they're persistent in contacting you. I receive an email once a month:
More importantly, notice that these invites are coming from different addresses? That's not all, every email is sent from a different "person."
Still uncertain? Visit the journals website for further evaluation.
