Verify the pharmacy’s license with the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia (if in BC) or the relevant provincial regulatory body. Their websites provide tools to check licenses easily.
Check for a physical address in Canada. Legitimate pharmacies operate from a verifiable location. Avoid sites with only PO boxes or vague addresses.
Look for a secure website, indicated by “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in your browser. This protects your personal and financial information during transactions.
Read online reviews from multiple sources. Be wary of sites with overwhelmingly positive reviews, and look for balanced feedback reflecting both good and bad experiences.
Contact the pharmacy directly. Ask questions about their ordering process, shipping methods, and return policy. A professional and responsive customer service team is a strong indicator of legitimacy.
Confirm they offer a toll-free number and a physical mailing address. These details increase transparency and accountability.
Scrutinize their medication pricing. While Canadian drugs are often cheaper, extremely low prices might signal counterfeit medication. Research typical costs to ensure pricing is reasonable.
Verify their accreditation. Look for affiliations with reputable organizations. This adds a layer of verification to their professionalism.
Use a credit card or PayPal for secure payments. Avoid using wire transfers or other untraceable methods that offer no buyer protection.
Report suspicious activities. If you encounter red flags, report them to the relevant authorities to protect others from potential scams.
