This question seeks to address the growing concern of cloned academic journals, which are fraudulent duplicates of legitimate publications. It aims to guide researchers, scholars, and academics on identifying distinguishing features between authentic and cloned journals. The focus is on understanding verification methods, such as examining the journal's website, checking ISSN numbers, reviewing the editorial board, and cross-referencing with trusted databases. The goal is to ensure researchers submit their work to genuine and reputable journals.
Dear Desh Deepak A P Singh Chauhan
When it comes to cloned often called hijacked versions of journals then THE number one source to check is the “Retraction Watch Hijacked Journal Checker” https://retractionwatch.com/the-retraction-watch-hijacked-journal-checker/
For some older examples of identified hijacked journals see also:
https://beallslist.net/hijacked-journals/
https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in/Apps1/User/Web/CloneJournalsNew
https://ugccare.unipune.ac.in/Apps1/User/Web/CloneJournalsGroupIINew
The common features of hijacked versions of legit journal titles (and those that shows similar features) can be found by checking some of the examples identified here on RG:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is_Design_Engineering_Scopus_or_fake_journal2
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is_this_Journal_Hijacked_or_it_is_a_genuine_journal
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is_this_journal_genuinely_indexed_in_scopus
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Journal_of_Advanced_Zoology_ISSN_0253-7214_is_this_journal_hijacked
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Authenticity_of_Plasma_Science_and_Technology_Journal
Best regards.
PS. Keep updated by following some of the questions/discussions here on RG:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/New_very_misleading_type_of_scam_Anyone_with_recent_examples
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Hijacked_journals_in_Scopus
Desh Deepak A P Singh Chauhan
Verifying the legitimacy of an academic journal and distinguishing it from a cloned version involves several steps. Here are key methods to help ensure you're dealing with a genuine and reputable publication:
1. Examine the Journal's Website
- URL and Domain: Legitimate journals usually have a professional domain name, often associated with well-known academic publishers or institutions. Be wary of domains that look suspicious or mimic the original journal's URL closely.
- Content Quality: Check for high-quality content, including well-written articles, accurate and clear information about the journal, submission guidelines, and contact details.
2. Check ISSN Numbers
- ISSN Verification: The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is a unique identifier for periodicals. Verify the ISSN on the journal's website against the ISSN Portal (https://portal.issn.org/) or through databases like the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ).
3. Review the Editorial Board
- Editorial Board Credentials: Look up the members of the editorial board. Legitimate journals usually list reputable scholars with verifiable credentials and affiliations. Check if these individuals are real and genuinely associated with the journal.
- Editorial Board Listings: Some cloned journals list prominent scholars without their knowledge. Contact a few editorial board members directly to confirm their involvement.
4. Cross-Reference with Trusted Databases
- DOAJ and Scopus: Reputable journals are indexed in well-known databases like the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Scopus, PubMed, or Web of Science. Cross-reference the journal in these databases to verify its legitimacy.
- Journal Citation Reports (JCR): If the journal claims to have an impact factor, check the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) to verify this information.
5. Check for Peer Review Process
- Peer Review Transparency: Legitimate journals clearly describe their peer review process. Verify if the journal follows recognized peer review standards and practices.
- Publication Ethics: Reputable journals adhere to ethical guidelines, such as those from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Look for information about their ethical policies.
6. Contact Information and Physical Address
- Valid Contact Details: Check if the journal provides a valid physical address and contact information. Beware of journals that provide only web forms or generic email addresses without proper affiliation.
- Correspondence: Send an inquiry to the journal's contact email. A legitimate journal typically responds professionally and promptly.
7. Publication History and Archiving
- Publication Archives: Examine the journal's archive for consistency in publication history. Look for regularly published issues and properly archived articles.
- DOI Assignment: Legitimate journals often assign Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) to their articles, which can be verified through CrossRef.
8. Feedback from the Academic Community
- Academic Forums and Colleagues: Seek feedback from colleagues or academic forums. Experienced researchers often share their experiences and warnings about cloned journals.
- Social Media and Academic Networks: Check academic social networks like ResearchGate or LinkedIn for discussions about the journal.
9. Red Flags of Cloned Journals
- Solicitation Emails: Be cautious of unsolicited invitations to submit articles or join the editorial board.
- Unusually Fast Peer Review: Unrealistically short peer review times can indicate a lack of proper review.
- High Publication Fees: Excessive publication fees without clear justification may be a red flag.
By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of submitting your work to a cloned or fraudulent journal. Always take the time to thoroughly investigate and verify a journal's legitimacy before submission.
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