Verify the pharmacy’s license and registration with your state board of pharmacy. Check for a physical address and contact information – avoid pharmacies with only a PO box.
Look for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) accreditation seal. This signifies the pharmacy meets certain standards for online safety and security.
Read online reviews from other customers. Pay attention to comments about shipping times, customer service, and overall experience. Trustpilot and other review sites can offer valuable insights.
Scrutinize the website’s security. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar – these indicate secure connections protecting your data.
Never share your personal or financial information unless the website uses secure encryption. Be wary of sites requesting unnecessary details.
Only use major credit cards or payment methods offering buyer protection. This allows you to dispute charges if something goes wrong.
Be suspicious of unusually low prices. Legitimate pharmacies rarely offer prices significantly lower than those of brick-and-mortar stores.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the legitimacy of an online pharmacy. They can offer helpful advice and guidance.
Report suspicious websites to the authorities. This helps protect others and assists in combating online pharmacy fraud.
