Check the pharmacy’s website for a license number and accreditation details. Legitimate pharmacies openly display this information.
Next, independently verify this information. Use your search engine and the provided license number to locate the pharmacy’s listing on the relevant regulatory body’s website (e. g., State Board of Pharmacy for your region). Confirm the license is valid and active.
Finding Accreditation Information
Look for accreditation seals from reputable organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program, which verifies online pharmacies meet high standards. The presence of such seals significantly boosts the pharmacy’s credibility. Absence doesn’t automatically mean illegitimacy, but it certainly warrants additional scrutiny.
Confirming Pharmacy Details
Compare the information displayed on the pharmacy’s website with the regulatory body’s data. Discrepancies should raise immediate concerns. Physical address, contact information, and registered business name should match precisely.
| License Verification | Search regulatory body’s database using the listed license number. | Matching license details, active status confirmation. |
| Accreditation Check | Look for accreditation seals from organizations like VIPPS. | Presence of reputable accreditation seals. |
| Data Comparison | Compare website information with regulatory data. | Precise match of details (address, name, contact information). |
Contacting Regulatory Bodies Directly
If you have doubts, contact the relevant state board of pharmacy directly. They can provide definitive answers about a pharmacy’s licensing status.
