The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors warns about the growing threat of predatory journals, now estimated to number over 15,000 globally.

These journals undermine scientific integrity by exploiting authors for financial gain while failing to meet scholarly publishing standards. The editorial, published simultaneously in 14 major journals including JAMA, The Lancet, and The New England Journal of Medicine, outlines the scope of the problem and recommends protective measures for stakeholders.

Predatory journals employ deceptive practices such as aggressive solicitation, promises of rapid publication, and lack of transparency about fees. They mimic reputable journal names and branding, falsely claim organizational memberships, fabricate metrics, and infiltrate legitimate indexing services.

Publishing in predatory journals can lead to professional and financial repercussions, including diminished credibility and difficulty publishing in legitimate venues in the future. 

"Particularly vulnerable authors are those who are early in their careers, lack experience and adequate mentorship, and face pressure to publish," noted Christine Laine, MD, MPH, and her colleagues. 

The ICMJE recommended targeted actions for stakeholders:

• Authors: Use tools like Think.Check.Submit and NIH guidance to assess journal legitimacy. Verify solicitation emails and URLs against official sources.
• Institutions: Provide training on recognizing predatory journals and emphasize quality over quantity in academic evaluations.
• Legitimate Publishers: Warn authors about predatory risks and notify stakeholders when their journals are imitated.

While legal remedies remain difficult due to predatory publishers operating as "ghost entities," the ICMJE emphasized the need for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to counter this persistent threat.