Check the prescription’s details against your doctor’s records. Confirm the medication name, dosage, and quantity match what your doctor prescribed. Discrepancies indicate potential fraud.
Examine the prescription for security features. Legitimate prescriptions often include watermarks, unique serial numbers, or special inks. Counterfeit prescriptions rarely possess these.
Verify the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. A legitimate online pharmacy will display its license information prominently on its website. You can cross-reference this information with your state’s regulatory body.
Look for secure payment options. Reputable pharmacies utilize secure payment gateways (like SSL encryption) to protect your financial information during transactions. Avoid sites that only accept wire transfers or untraceable payment methods.
Contact your doctor or pharmacist. Confirm if the pharmacy dispensing your medication is one they recommend or are familiar with. Direct communication offers an additional layer of verification.
Read online reviews and testimonials. While not foolproof, a large number of negative reviews regarding a pharmacy’s legitimacy or service should raise red flags.
Report suspicious activity. If you suspect a pharmacy is operating illegally, report it to the relevant authorities. This helps protect other individuals from potential harm.