Predatory Email Invitations

Predatory journals frequently contact researchers proactively via email. Typical characteristics include:

a) Generic or mass-addressed greetings

• “Dear Researcher,” “Dear Esteemed Author,” “Dear Professor”
• No reference to specific publications or research topics
• Lack of awareness of the recipient’s field of expertise

b) Unrealistic promises

• “Guaranteed acceptance”
• “Fast-track peer review”
• “Publication within 72 hours”

c) Urgent or overly flattering tone

• “Your expertise is urgently needed”
• “We believe you are the perfect match for our special issue”

d) Suspicious sender addresses

• Use of private email providers (Gmail, Yahoo)
• Email domains that do not match the journal’s official website

e) Unusual submission procedures

• Manuscripts are requested via email rather than through a professional submission system