The Rise of Fake and Clone Journals in Medical Sciences: A Threat to Research Integrity

Abstract

Open-access publishing has made research sharing and access easier, but it has also led to the proliferation of deceitful journals that exploit the author-pay model, endangering research integrity. These journals appear trustworthy, claim high impact factors, but lack review information and editorial board details. Identifying fake journals is challenging, but researchers can use indicators like thorough website examination, searching for additional contact information, and verifying indexing in reputable databases. Clone journals are fraudulent replicas of authentic ones that deceive authors and readers with identical names, logos, and designs. They lack peer reviews and publish flawed or deceitful research. Medical research is particularly vulnerable, with even prominent journals falling victim. Fake and cloned journals misguide researchers, clinicians, and policymakers, harming public health and undermining genuine research credibility. To protect valuable findings, researchers must stay vigilant, evaluate journals carefully, and choose reputable ones with rigorous peer-review processes and high impact factors. By doing so, researchers ensure comprehensive evaluation and contribute to medical science advancement. Addressing the issue requires collective attention from researchers, publishers, and policymakers, preserving research integrity and public well-being.