Check the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. Look for verification from regulatory bodies like the Pharmacy Checker Verification Program or similar organizations in your country. A legitimate pharmacy will proudly display this information.
Verify the pharmacist’s credentials. A real pharmacy will have licensed pharmacists available to answer your questions. Their contact information should be readily accessible on the website.
Inspect their physical address. Legitimate pharmacies have a verifiable street address. Avoid sites with only a PO box or vague location details.
Scrutinize their security measures. Secure websites use HTTPS (the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar) and may employ other security protocols to protect your personal and payment information. Beware of sites lacking these features.
Examine their customer reviews. Read independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback to gauge the overall customer experience and identify patterns.
| License/Accreditation | Clearly displayed | Missing or unclear |
| Pharmacist Contact | Easily accessible | Hidden or unavailable |
| Physical Address | Verifiable street address | PO Box or vague location |
| Security Measures | HTTPS, other security protocols | Lacking security features |
| Customer Reviews | Mostly positive, addressing concerns | Negative reviews, unanswered complaints |
Report suspicious pharmacies to relevant authorities. If you encounter a website you suspect is illegitimate, report it to your local health authorities or consumer protection agency.
