Predatory Publisher Checker

Verify if a publisher is legitimate before submitting your research

What are Predatory Publishers?

Predatory publishers are companies that exploit the open-access model by running multiple fake or low-quality journals. They charge fees without providing real peer review, editorial oversight, or proper indexing. A single predatory publisher may operate dozens of journals simultaneously.

Runs multiple fake journals Aggressive email solicitation No editorial standards Fake impact metrics

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Signs of a Predatory Publisher

Watch out for these red flags when evaluating a publisher:

1. Mass Email Solicitation

Sends bulk emails inviting submissions — often flattering, generic, and poorly written.

2. Runs Dozens of Journals

Operates an unusually large number of journals across unrelated fields with minimal staff.

3. Fake Editorial Boards

Lists prominent researchers without their consent, or uses entirely fabricated names.

4. Hidden or Aggressive Fees

Charges are not disclosed upfront. Demands payment immediately after acceptance.

5. Instant Acceptance

Papers accepted within days — no real peer review process exists.

6. Fake Impact Metrics

Claims "Global Impact Factor", "Universal IF" or other non-Clarivate metrics.

7. Misleading Website

Poor website quality, stolen content, fake location claims, or copied journal designs.

8. Not in Any Legitimate Index

None of their journals appear in Scopus, Web of Science, or DOAJ.

Looking to check a specific journal?

Use our Predatory Journal Checker to verify individual journals by name or ISSN.

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About Our Data Source

We have not created this predatory publisher list ourselves. Our database is based on Beall's List — the most widely referenced resource for identifying predatory publishers, originally compiled by Jeffrey Beall, an academic librarian at the University of Colorado Denver.

The original list was taken down in 2017, but a community-maintained archived version continues at beallslist.net, which regularly updates with new entries and corrections.

Beall's List beallslist.net Jeffrey Beall

How to Verify a Publisher

Check Their Journals in Scopus

Search Scopus for journals published by this publisher. If none are listed, be suspicious.

Visit the Publisher Website

Look for a professional website with clear contact info, editorial policies, and real office address.

Google the Publisher Name

Search for the publisher + "predatory" or "scam". Check forums, Reddit, and academic blogs.

Check Beall's List

Visit beallslist.net for the archived list of predatory publishers maintained by Jeffrey Beall.

Ask Your Supervisor

When in doubt, consult your research supervisor, librarian, or colleagues about the publisher.

Check COPE Membership