The cost of deception: pseudo-journals and exploitative article processing charges

Abstract The prevalence of pseudo-publishing practices poses significant challenges to the integrity of academic research, particularly in India. Pseudo-journals are publications that fail to meet the standards of legitimate scholarly publishing, including predatory and hijacked journals. While widely recognized indicators and red flags for identifying predatory journals, such as those outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and Beall’s criteria, are helpful, limited attention has been given to the role of Article Processing Charges (APCs) as a diagnostic factor. This study emphasizes the need for greater awareness of APCs as a distinguishing feature between legitimate and pseudo-journals. A significant perception gap exists among Indian researchers regarding the costs associated with open-access publishing, often leading them to fall victim to pseudo-journals. Bridging this gap requires targeted education on publishing models, research metrics, ethical practices, and credible databases. Institutions and researchers must critically evaluate journal pricing structures to avoid exploitation. Enhancing awareness and prioritizing academic integrity is essential to safeguard Indian researchers from dubious publishing practices.