Check for verification seals from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). These seals indicate the pharmacy meets certain standards for safety and security.
Confirming Legitimacy
Verify the pharmacy’s license and physical address. Legitimate pharmacies will readily provide this information. Look for a physical street address, not just a PO Box. Contact your state’s board of pharmacy to verify their licensing status. Scrutinize the website’s security measures. Look for “https” in the website address and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This shows the website uses encryption to protect your information.
Spotting Red Flags
Beware of pharmacies offering unbelievably low prices. Extremely cheap medications are often counterfeit or substandard. Be wary of websites with poor grammar, broken links, or unprofessional design. These are common indicators of fraudulent operations. Avoid pharmacies that request payment through wire transfers or gift cards – these payment methods offer minimal buyer protection. Instead, choose reputable payment gateways like PayPal or credit card processors. Look closely at the pharmacist’s contact information. A legitimate pharmacy will provide a contact phone number and email address.
Protecting Yourself
Consult your doctor before ordering any medication online. They can advise you on safe and appropriate options. Never share your personal or financial information with a pharmacy you suspect is not legitimate. Report suspicious online pharmacies to the authorities. The FDA and other regulatory bodies actively combat pharmaceutical fraud.
Using Reputable Payment Methods
Using credit cards offers more consumer protection than other payment methods, making chargebacks easier if a problem arises. Always review your credit card statement regularly to detect any unauthorized charges.
