Check the pharmacy’s registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). This is the easiest way to verify their legitimacy. Look for their registration number on their website – it should be clearly displayed.
Scrutinize the website for secure payment methods. Reputable pharmacies use SSL encryption (look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar) and offer secure payment gateways like PayPal or credit card processors verified by PCI DSS.
- Avoid pharmacies that only accept unusual payment methods like wire transfers or cryptocurrencies. Be wary of sites with poor design or grammatical errors.
Examine their contact details. A legitimate pharmacy provides a physical address, phone number, and email address. Try contacting them – a prompt and helpful response is a good sign.
Review online customer feedback. Look at sites like Trustpilot for independent reviews. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to get a balanced view. Verify their dispensing process. A safe pharmacy clearly outlines its order processing, delivery, and returns procedures.
Ensure they offer a consultation with a registered pharmacist if required. Some medications necessitate a consultation to assess suitability. This should be a standard part of the service offered by legitimate online pharmacies.
Lastly, compare prices. While exceptionally low prices can be a red flag, be aware of significant price differences. Consider whether the savings are worth the potential risks involved with a disreputable supplier.
