Fake Impact Factor

The rapid growth of academic publishing has unfortunately been accompanied by the rise of predatory and clone journals—deceptive platforms that exploit researchers for profit. Predatory journals often promise quick publication and impressive impact metrics while neglecting genuine peer review, whereas clone journals impersonate reputable publications by copying their names, ISSN numbers, and website designs. Many researchers, especially early-career scholars under pressure to publish, can easily fall into these traps. Understanding how these journals operate and recognizing their warning signs is essential to protect research credibility and maintain the integrity of scholarly communication.