What to do if you suspect the existence of anonymous, guest or gifted authors?

We propose three alternatives to proceed:

1. Review the acknowledgments section and the declaration of authorship (if they have been provided)

2. Send a copy of the journal's authorship policy** to the responsible author of the article and request a statement that all authors meet the criteria and no authors have been excluded (if such information has not been previously obtained)

3. Request information (or more details) about each individual's contributions***

All of the above caused by different situations presented below:

1. Some authorship role is missing (e.g., the list of contributors does not include anyone who analyzed the data or wrote the first draft). In this case: An anonymous author is identified; Propose that the excluded author be included

2. Nominal authors do not meet the authorship criteria. Then: A guest or gifted author is identified; Propose that a guest or gifted author be excluded, or that it be moved to the Acknowledgments section

After these first moments, then:

Written approval is obtained from all authors to change authorship. The letter should clearly state the journal's policy on authorship and/or refer to published criteria (e.g., CIERM (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors; ICMJE), and may convey concern or disappointment that these criteria have not been met.

With respect to authors of higher academic or professional standing, consider the possibility of sending a copy of the letter to the director of the department or the person responsible for the correct management of the research activity.

Subsequently, the review or publication continues.

1. A satisfactory explanation of the list of authors is received. Then the review or publication continues.

2. If there is any doubt or more information is required, then: Try to contact the authors (search their names with Google) and ask them what their role has been, if any authors have been excluded, and if they have any doubts about the authorship of the article.

NOTE: All of the above requires the editorial team to review the instructions for contributors and the submission templates that the journal uses, to ensure that they provide transparent guidelines and to avoid problems in the future.