Verify the pharmacy’s license and registration with your provincial regulatory body. Check for a physical address and contact information; avoid pharmacies with only PO boxes or virtual addresses.
Inspect the website carefully. Look for secure connections (HTTPS) and professional design. Beware of sites with grammatical errors, poor image quality, or unrealistic pricing.
Research the pharmacy online. Read independent reviews and testimonials from other customers. Be wary of overwhelmingly positive reviews – they may be fake.
Contact the pharmacy directly. Ask questions about their licensing, medication sourcing, and shipping procedures. A legitimate pharmacy will readily provide this information.
Never share your personal or financial information with an untrusted website or individual. Use secure payment methods, such as those offering buyer protection.
Scrutinize the medications upon arrival. Check for inconsistencies in packaging, labeling, or the pills themselves. Report any suspicions to the appropriate authorities immediately.
| Unusually low prices | Verify legitimacy; low prices often indicate counterfeit drugs. |
| Pressure to buy quickly | Decline the offer; legitimate pharmacies don’t pressure customers. |
| Request for payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency | Avoid these payment methods; they offer little buyer protection. |
| Lack of a return policy | Seek pharmacies with transparent return policies. |
If you suspect you’ve received counterfeit medication, contact Health Canada or your provincial health authority immediately.
