Check the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. Verify this information independently through your state’s board of pharmacy or national accreditation organizations. Don’t rely solely on information provided on the website.
Scrutinize the website for unprofessional design or grammatical errors. A legitimate online pharmacy invests in a professional-looking site; poorly designed sites often signal a scam.
Beware of pharmacies offering unbelievably low prices. Significantly cheaper medications than elsewhere are a major red flag. Legitimate pharmacies have operating costs; excessively low prices suggest counterfeit or substandard drugs.
Security Measures
Look for secure payment options like SSL encryption (indicated by “https” in the address bar and a padlock icon). Never provide payment information on a website without these security measures. Protect your financial information.
Be wary of pharmacies requesting payment via unusual methods like wire transfers or prepaid debit cards. These methods offer minimal buyer protection.
Communication and Contact
A reputable pharmacy provides multiple ways to contact them–a physical address, phone number, and email address. Investigate if the contact information is valid. Avoid pharmacies with limited or anonymous contact details.
| Unlicensed or unaccredited | Verify license and accreditation independently |
| Extremely low prices | Compare prices across multiple reputable pharmacies |
| Unsecure payment methods | Use only secure payment options (SSL encryption) |
| Lack of contact information | Look for multiple and verifiable contact options |
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Report any suspected fraudulent activity to your state’s board of pharmacy and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your vigilance helps protect others.
