Check the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. Legitimate online pharmacies display their license information and accreditation from organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Verify this information independently on the NABP website.
Inspect the website’s security features. Secure websites use HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar). Avoid pharmacies with poor website design, grammatical errors, or suspicious contact information.
Scrutinize Pricing and Payment Methods
Be wary of exceptionally low prices, as these often signal counterfeit medications. Legitimate pharmacies typically have competitive, yet realistic, pricing. Furthermore, secure payment methods like credit cards with fraud protection offer a degree of safety.
Examine Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Look for independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot or other review platforms. A lack of reviews or overwhelmingly negative feedback should raise concerns. Pay close attention to comments about shipping times and customer service responsiveness.
Contact the pharmacy directly. Try to contact them via phone and email. Professional, responsive communication suggests a legitimate operation. Delays or unclear responses are red flags.
Confirm the Pharmacist’s Credentials
A legitimate pharmacy will have a listed pharmacist with verifiable credentials. You should be able to confirm their license and registration details. Lack of transparency about the pharmacist’s identity should be a major concern.
