Unfortunately, scholars don't have to worry just about predatory journals - we have predatory conferences to worry about too!
Look at this email I received:
Like the predatory journal email, this email is full of warning signs:
Going to the conference website, there are many of the same warning flags: typos, poor grammar, odd spacing, weird word choices, and way too much vagueness. Some interesting phrases from the website:
What does any of this mean???
Another issue with the conference website is the Academic Review Board. First, is the random name in all caps. Second, it's an international conference, but nearly half of the board is from the same country. Third, I checked several board member's websites and CVs and I didn't find a single one that listed being on the ICTIMESH board.
Next, is the submission process. As with predatory journals, be extremely wary of anything that promises quick turn around. This conference promises notification within 10 days of submission. I currently have proposals in for two reputable conferences. One has a three month wait and the other a five month wait before I'll learn if my proposals are accepted. In addition, this conference promises Presenter Certificate of Participation regardless whether the proposal is accepted or not.
The final issue are the images. Several of the images appear either photoshopped or digitally constructed while others feel more like stock art than actual conference photos. To test these images, I performed a reverse image search and I was able to find every image I tested on other sites (including the presentation image on the main conference page to the left).