MDPI is aware that fraudulent websites, such as imdpi.com, imitate our brand by using similar domain names and journal titles. These websites are designed to mislead authors into submitting manuscripts or paying fees under false pretenses.  

How to identify fake MDPI websites 

To verify the authenticity of a publisher and ensure you are interacting with a legitimate MDPI journal, please follow these guidelines 

• Official website: Always access MDPI journals through https://www.mdpi.com. Please be aware that fraudulent websites may closely mimic the design and layout of legitimate MDPI journal pages. 

• Domain name: Official MDPI domains end with mdpi.com. Be cautious of domains with slight variations, such as imdpi.com, mdpi.org, or mdpi.net. 

• Journal listings: All legitimate MDPI journals are listed at: https://www.mdpi.com/about/journals. If a journal is not listed there, it may be fraudulent. 

• Contact information: Official MDPI email addresses always use the format @mdpi.com. Be wary of emails from addresses like @imdpi.com or similar variations. 

• Editorial board: Verify the editorial board members and their affiliations. If the editorial information is missing or unverifiable, the journal may not be legitimate. 

Steps to protect yourself 

• Use trusted sources: Only access journals and submit manuscripts through https://www.mdpi.com.  

• Follow a guidance framework: Use resources such as Think.Check.Submit to verify journal and publisher legitimacy.  

• Check industry-recognized memberships: Look for membership or adherence to COPE, OASPA, DOAJ, ALPSP, and STM standards. 

• Verify journals’ indexing: Confirm the journal’s indexing status in Web of Science, Scopus, DOAJ, PubMed, and also on the journal’s website.  

• Consult your institution: Seek guidance from your institution's library or research office if you are unsure about a journal or publisher's legitimacy. 

• Report suspicious sites: If you encounter a suspicious website, report it to MDPI via External Affairs EU at externalaffairs.eu@mdpi.com.  

MDPI remains committed to maintaining the integrity and transparency of scientific publishing. We encourage authors to exercise caution and to verify the legitimacy of journals and publishers before submitting manuscripts or making payments.