Check the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. Look for verification from organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and LegitScript.
- Verify the pharmacy’s physical address. A legitimate pharmacy will have a verifiable street address, not just a PO Box. Scrutinize the website’s security. Look for HTTPS in the URL and a privacy policy detailing data protection. Examine the pharmacist’s credentials. A licensed pharmacy will clearly display the information of their licensed pharmacists.
Use online pharmacy verification tools. Several independent websites allow you to check the legitimacy of online pharmacies. These tools often cross-reference the pharmacy against databases of verified and licensed providers.
Read customer reviews. Look for reviews on independent platforms, not just those hosted on the pharmacy’s own site. Pay close attention to reviews mentioning prescription fulfillment, customer service, and overall experience. Contact the pharmacy directly. Ask questions regarding their licensing, prescription process, and return policy. A reputable pharmacy will be transparent and responsive. Be wary of overly low prices. Extremely discounted medications often indicate counterfeit products or illegal operations.
Report suspicious pharmacies. If you encounter a pharmacy that seems questionable, report it to the appropriate regulatory authorities. This helps protect others from potential scams.
