College Success Tip #41 - Academic Journal Scams

Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.

Proverbs 19:2

An academic journal is a form of written published work produced relating to a particular academic discipline. Academic journals are utilized for presentations, discussions regarding research in a particular field of study. Academic/Scholarly journals are often reviewed by peers/colleagues and is the form for presenting one's original research, reviewed articles or even educational reviews. Academic journals give researchers the opportunity to share their findings, discoveries and knowledge with one another.

When an Scholarly/ Academic Journal company contacts an individuals who is a researcher it is for them to submit their work and for them to be recognized in that field for other researchers to obtain further information as well as students. Companies have the option to publish, reject or ask for revisions and resubmissions to be featured in their body of works. Sometimes a fee is required but this is a great opportunity for researchers to begin explaining their research which in turn can lead to more beneficial opportunities.

The issue arises when Scholarly Academic Journal companies are indeed Frauds only seeking research and money for themselves. It is important to identify a Fraud Journal Organization. I have provided some recommended tips to consider as it relates to identifying a Academic Journal Scammer.

Tip # 1

PRAY AND ASK GOD FOR WISDOM.

When an opportunity becomes available ask God to guide you with knowledge and understanding as you determine if this is indeed an academic opportunity or an academic journal scam. “Academic Journal Scam operations often imitate legitimate educational institutions using official sounding names containing words like “National”, “Academic” “Educational”, or “Administration.” Although we know that the ill-gotten gains won’t last long but the act of one committing a Higher Education Journal scam is totally abhorrent.

Tip # 2

DON’T SEND MONEY!

Academic Journals are tools used to assist individuals in education adjust or deal with the new trends or advancements for excellence. Any Academic journal that encourages you to send them money without appropriate literature and contact information is a red flag. A red flag is when an academic journal requests funds via Western Union or Money Gram. Once the money is wired it’s done. Don’t fall for the hype, and pay for so called ‘academic journal fees” just because you are eager to get published, this is bait for graduating Professional Degree as well as Undergraduate degree candidates. Beware.

Tip # 3

ANALYZE

Look at the webpage and the literature the “academic journal company” provides.

Does everything match?

Is this indeed a real address?

Can you google the address and see the location on maps?

Does this address really exists?

If you do a google image search on the address does an abandoned warehouse, shack or hospital appear?

When you call the number listed is the number out of service or someone from another country pick up the phone?

When you contact the email addresses for assistance do you get a response back in a reasonable amount of time? (1 – 2 Business Days)

When you look at the editor’s information on the webpage is it accessible?

Is there are an About me page on the website?

When you contact other editors listed on the site do you get emails from them stating that they aren’t affiliated or associated with this journal and they’ve contacted the person who made the webpage for nearly 4-5 years asking them to remove their personal information?

Are you having a hard time trying to contact someone via phone, email or social media?

Does the journal rush you to submit money to have your works published through them, without adequate time?

Is the journal slow in releasing updates online?

When you google the owner of the journal you find out that it Is indeed a fraud and that they have several “so called academic journals” with similar names but for differing fields?

When you request a refund because it has been revealed to you that it is indeed a fraud they angrily converse with you as if you are bothering them?

When you try to call the numbers on the webpage back it states that the number is not in service?

When you email the journal service for further information does the email bounce back stating that it was undeliverable?

When you look on the company’s website at previous journal participants and contributors is the website down?

Does the website exist?

Does the website look professional yet lacks content related to the journal topic features and mission of the “so called” organization?

When you click on the links of the company’s social media is it inactive?

If the social media accounts are active are there only 5 people that follow them?

Are there are only 2 posts up?

When you try to locate a contact person or contact department you are unsuccessful?

You must analyze many scammers can put on a stellar performance in renting a hotel, putting on their Sunday best outfit and give you handouts that they’ve printed out with a presentation using stolen overhead and office supplies. They can also go to a word document copy and paste photos and present pdf and files to send to eager Post professional degree students so they can fall into the trap of being published, because their instructors push for them to do that. That is why you must pray for wisdom and when you see an issue follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit and don’t get scared or caught up. You’ve got to move around and report them immediately!

Tip # 4

REPORT IT!

If you’ve identified a journal scam or believe the journal opportunity is a scam REPORT IT QUICKLY. These scammers can exist for years without being found out. It is important to sound the alarm for the scamming activity to cease and for others to be spared from the action you took to help out. You can report the scam to the National Fraud Information Center (NFIC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), State Attorney General’s Office, Better Business Bureau (BBB), US Postal Inspection Service and the US Department of Education Office of the Inspector General. You can visit the links below on the blog post and report the scam with the literature that they’ve provided you. If you’ve gone in to an interview be able to report and account the events that occurred. Also make a police report of what occurred.

Tip # 5

REACH OUT!

If you haven’t already reached out to the scammer do so. Inform them that you want NO PARTS in this scam and that you do not want your works published and you want your money back. The scammer might respond with an attitude or not respond at all. Just keep the documentation that you’ve reached out via email, this will serve beneficial when you begin reporting these actions to the appropriate personnel.

Tip # 6

DECLARE!

If you sent money in and your works to the scammer unknowingly remember that the scammer is a thief. The thief will be caught! Declare God’s promises of restoration over your life as He vindicates you in this situation.

“Yet if he is caught, he must pay sevenfold, though it costs him all the wealth of his house.” Proverbs 6:31

Tip # 7

TRUST & REST!

No matter how long it takes remember that God is your Vindicator! When you declare, trust and believe that God is your vindicator you have nothing to worry about. Because no matter what is going on in and around you No weapon formed against you will prosper! Isaiah 54:17

Resources

Reporting Academic Journal Scams:

The FBI

https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes/internet-fraud

Your Police Department

US Department of Education Office of the Inspector General

http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/oig/index.html

US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS)

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

http://www.bbb.org/

State Attorney General's Office