Predatory Conferences: What Social Workers Need to Know

ABSTARCT: Emerging social work academics and researchers are warned about not falling victim to predatory publishers and journals; however, predatory conferences are increasingly common and present a real threat to research integrity. Anyone, regardless of age or experience, can fall victim to predatory or “fake conferences.” Their duplicitous and flattering e-mail communications promise high exposure with attractive destinations that sound appealing, especially in the world of high publication pressure. In many cases, these conferences exist but have questionable quality. Social workers would benefit from increased awareness and scrutiny of potential conference meetings that lack peer review, basic organization, and scientific rigor.