Verify the pharmacy’s license with your provincial regulatory body. Each province maintains a register of licensed pharmacies; cross-reference any online pharmacy’s claims against this official record.
Check for secure website features. Look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. These indicate secure connections protecting your personal and financial data.
Scrutinize the pharmacy’s contact information. Legitimate pharmacies provide a physical address, phone number, and email address. Avoid those offering only generic contact methods.
Examine the website’s design and content. Be wary of poorly written text, grammatical errors, or suspicious pricing far below market value. High-quality websites are typically well-maintained.
Read online reviews carefully. Look for consistent patterns of positive and negative feedback. Pay close attention to reviews mentioning counterfeit medications or poor customer service.
Never purchase medications from websites that don’t require a prescription. This is a major red flag indicating illegal operation and potentially dangerous products.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can help you identify legitimate online pharmacies and discuss safe medication sourcing options.
Report suspicious pharmacies. If you encounter a suspected scam, report it to the relevant authorities in your province or territory.
