ERIC Number: EJ1491208
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2026-Mar
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1570-1727
EISSN: EISSN-1572-8544
Available Date: 2025-10-15
Twenty Red Flags to Spot Phishing Emails from Predatory Journals
Journal of Academic Ethics, v24 Article 9 2026
Phishing emails are widely recognized as a key warning sign of predatory publishing. Despite growing awareness of these tactics, the term phishing email remains loosely defined, and many researchers--particularly early-career scholars--struggle to distinguish deceptive emails from legitimate journal communications. This article presents 20 specific red flags, supplemented with real-life examples, to equip researchers with practical tools to recognize and avoid predatory journal phishing attempts. The article explains misleading indicators that predatory journals use to project an illusion of credibility and legitimacy, such as having ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) or DOI (Digital Object Identifier), being indexed in popular databases, or providing free-of-charge publication. Furthermore, the article highlights the values of a holistic approach and self-reflection in judging the legitimacy of research journals.
Descriptors: Electronic Mail, Deception, Publishing Industry, Periodicals, Language Usage, Misinformation
BioMed Central, Ltd. Available from: Springer Nature. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://www-springer-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/gp/biomedical-sciences
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Researchers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1The University of Tokyo, Global Nursing Research Center, Tokyo, Japan

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