Dataset unmasks the price range of fake first-author slots in the paper-mill market
A dataset called BuyTheBy compiles over 18,000 advertisements from seven paper mills across multiple countries, revealing first-author slots selling for roughly $56 to $5,631 and showing some ads align with published papers. The study notes the market is evolving with AI, making enforcement difficult, but provides a starting point for publishers to curb fraud. The dataset isn’t comprehensive (omits Iran/China mills) and can’t confirm completion of purchases or final publications.