Verify licensing: Start by checking if the pharmacy holds a license to operate in Canada. Look for this information prominently displayed on their website. The College of Pharmacists of British Columbia and similar provincial bodies provide online registries you can use to verify licenses.
Checking for Accreditation and Seals
Seek accreditation: Reputable pharmacies often display accreditation seals from organizations like the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) or PharmacyChecker. These seals indicate adherence to quality standards and verification processes.
- CIPA: Check CIPA’s website for a list of accredited pharmacies. PharmacyChecker: Verify a pharmacy’s listing on PharmacyChecker’s verified online pharmacies page.
Scrutinizing the Website and Contact Information
Examine website details: A legitimate Canadian pharmacy will have a professional, well-maintained website with clear contact information including a physical address in Canada, phone number, and email address. Avoid sites with vague or missing contact details.
Physical Address: Use Google Maps to confirm the existence of the stated physical address. Phone Number: Try calling the pharmacy directly to check for responsiveness and professionalism. Email Response: Send a test email to assess their response time and clarity.
Reviewing Customer Feedback and Security Measures
Read online reviews: Look for independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews to gauge other customers’ experiences. Be wary of an overwhelming number of perfectly positive reviews, as this could indicate fabricated feedback.
Security Measures
Security matters: Ensure the pharmacy uses secure online ordering systems (HTTPS) and provides details about their data security practices. Look for mentions of Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption to protect personal information during transactions. Avoid pharmacies that lack transparent security information.
