Several red flags can help identify predatory publishers:
Lack of Peer Review: Predatory journals often promise an unusually fast review process, sometimes within days. High Publication Fees: They often charge high fees and may not disclose these charges upfront. Editorial Board: The editorial board may include fictitious or unqualified members. Indexing Claims: They often falsely claim to be indexed in reputable databases like Scopus or Web of Science. Spam Emails: Frequent unsolicited invitations to submit work can be a warning sign.
Researchers should always verify these aspects before submitting their work.