Research Gold Falsely Marketed $1,900 Reviews as 100% Human-Written, Using AI and Fake PhDs
Updated
Updated · 404 Media · Aug 11
Research Gold Falsely Marketed $1,900 Reviews as 100% Human-Written, Using AI and Fake PhDs
1 articles · Updated · 404 Media · Aug 11
Summary
Research Gold advertised medical research services as “100% human-written, never AI,” but an investigation found its phone, email and chat responses were AI-generated and its quoted review service cost $1,900.
Eight supposed PhD team members on the site, including “Dr. Elena Vasquez” and “Dr. Mei-Lin Chen,” appear to be fabricated, with no publication trail and profile photos that look AI-generated.
Real academics were also listed without consent. Evidence synthesis scientist Jenny Berrio said she had no relationship with the company and planned a takedown request after finding her name, photo and bio on the site.
Research Gold removed the page listing Berrio and other real methodologists shortly after being contacted, but it did not provide a substantive comment before publication.
The case adds to broader concerns over generative AI in academic publishing, where journals are already dealing with AI-written papers, fake citations and possible contamination of peer review.