Cabells Predatory Reports Database Now Covers 20,000 Journals | Research Information

The landscape of academic publishing is facing increasing challenges from deceptive practices, with the number of predatory journals continuing to rise. As of January 30, 2026, Cabells’ Predatory Reports database now lists over 20,000 journals flagged for potentially misleading or exploitative behavior – a significant increase from the 15,000 listed in September 2021.

Predatory journals often mimic legitimate academic outlets, aiming to profit from researchers by charging publication fees without providing the rigorous peer-review process essential for ensuring the validity of scientific work. These journals can damage reputations, waste funding, and erode trust in research.

Cabells, a US-based information services company, launched Predatory Reports in 2017 with an initial listing of 4,000 journals. The database has grown more than 300% since then, reflecting the escalating problem of predatory publishing. The expansion is attributed to both an increase in predatory journals and a recent upgrade to Cabells’ underlying technology, allowing for the inclusion of more titles.

The journals included in Predatory Reports are evaluated against more than 70 criteria by a team of journal evaluation experts. These criteria identify behaviors indicative of deceptive publishing practices. A key indicator is often a lack of effective peer review, as noted by Kathleen Berryman, Cabells’ Director of Business Relations, who stated that robust peer review is crucial for establishing the validity of research and fostering trust among readers.

The rise of predatory journals poses a particular threat in the current environment, with generative AI technologies making the creation of academic content easier than ever. This increased ease of content creation could exacerbate the problem, making it more difficult to distinguish between legitimate research and fabricated or substandard work.

To combat this issue, Cabells offers complementary resources alongside Predatory Reports. Journalytics Academic and Journalytics Medicine are curated databases containing information on over 13,000 and 9,000 verified, reputable journals, respectively. These resources provide publication information, metrics, and analytics to help researchers identify appropriate venues for their work and maximize its impact.

According to Lacey Earle, Cabells chief executive officer, the growth in predatory publishing demonstrates a continued effort to defraud academic researchers and funding sources. She emphasized the importance of resources like Predatory Reports in supporting stakeholders – including funders, publishers, academics, and institutions – in verifying journal options and avoiding deceptive practices.

The proliferation of predatory journals highlights the need for vigilance within the academic community. Researchers are advised to carefully evaluate journals before submitting their work, considering factors such as peer-review processes, editorial board composition, and transparency of publication fees. Utilizing resources like Cabells’ Predatory Reports and Journalytics can assist in this evaluation process, helping to safeguard the integrity of research and protect against exploitation.

The increasing sophistication of predatory publishers necessitates a multi-faceted approach to address the problem. Beyond individual researcher awareness, institutions and funding agencies play a critical role in establishing clear guidelines and promoting responsible publishing practices. Continued investment in tools and resources that identify and expose predatory journals is also essential to maintaining the quality and trustworthiness of academic research.