Publishing in Scopus journals is an important milestone for any scientist. However, in recent years, a new wave of fraud has emerged, where even “indexed” journals can turn out to be a trap.
On the outside, everything looks honest: the website is working, the journal is in the Scopus database, the editorial office is responding. But in reality, the journal may already be excluded, it's just that the information in the system has not yet been updated, and the publisher is deliberately hiding this.
Let's look at the three most common scenarios.
1. The magazine is already disabled, but there is no “Coverage discontinued” mark yet
This happens regularly.
Scopus does not update journal statuses instantly, and it can take up to a month between the exclusion decision and the appearance of the mark.
At this time, publishers launch mass mailings, promise quick publication, and actively accept articles on any topic, trying to raise money before final closure.
Scientists see that the journal is still listed in the database and think that everything is safe. In fact, it is already a “corpse” that will soon disappear from indexing.
2. The journal is on “hold” at CSAB, but continues to charge
An even more insidious situation arises when a journal is subject to review by the Scopus Content Selection & Advisory Board (CSAB). This means that the publication is at risk of exclusion due to questionable policies, poor quality, or ethical violations.
The publisher is usually aware of the risks, but does not inform the authors and continues to accept articles and payments.
When a journal is officially excluded, authors are left with nothing: such publications are no longer considered for defense or certification.
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3. Journals that accept everything without peer review and without logic
Another dangerous type of journals are those that are formally in Scopus, but actually publish any texts.
The topics of the articles do not correspond to Aims & Scope, reviews are absent or templated, and everything that has been paid for is accepted for publication.
Some of these articles may even end up in Scopus, but after CSAB review they are removed from the database.
As a result, the journal loses indexing, and authors lose their indexed articles and chances of defending, obtaining a title, or receiving grants.
How to protect yourself
To avoid falling into such schemes, follow a few simple but reliable rules:
• Check the journal directly in Scopus before paying.
https://www.scopus.com/sources
• Contact Scopus support via official chat or e-mail to confirm the status of the publication.
https://service.elsevier.com/app/home/supporthub/scopus
• If the magazine is questionable, don't rush to pay. It's better to spend one day checking than to lose money and reputation.
Conclusions
The scientific world is becoming increasingly digital, and this creates a field for manipulation.
Therefore, today the main currency of a researcher is caution.
In "Academy articles» we use a two-level log check: through the official Scopus database and through internal channels of interaction with publishers and indexers.
By working with us, you can be sure that the journal to which your article is submitted is indeed indexed and is not at risk of exclusion.
