Predatory journals abuse open access. They arise mainly to collect copyright publishing fees but don't make review process. But decisively don‘t support or develop scientific communication.

Characteristics of predators:

• Aggressive practices, primarily unsolicited e-mails with offer of the publication.
• Free riding on known journals names, very similar and interchangeable name abbreviation.
• Interminate contact information, fictious editorial board.
• Almost no impediments with publication (thesis of low level)
• Defaulting with publication standards, no or fake review process
• Minimal benefit for sharing of scientific knowledge.
• The publisher's uncertain seat.
• Very short time for publishing.

How to know the predators?

• If they indicate the impact factor, they must be kept in the Journal Citation Reports database. Here you can verify the value.
• Use the GPT Journal Checker – your assistant against predatory journals. It will guide you through a series of targeted questions and, based on your answers, help you assess whether a journal is predatory or of low quality. To start in English, simply write: Can we talk in English?
• With the thinkchecksubmit site, you can make sure that the journal you choose is the right one for publishing research results, so it is reputable and reliable.

Consultation:

If you have questions, you suspect predatory journals or if you need advice about the predators, contact marta.zizienova@tul.cz or predator@tul.cz.
Here you can book a consultation: https://cal.com/marta-zizienova