Check if the pharmacy has a valid license and physical address. Look for verification on websites like LegitScript or CIPA.
- Verify Licensing: Most legitimate online pharmacies display their license number prominently. Cross-reference this number with your country’s regulatory body website. Physical Address: Avoid pharmacies with only a PO Box or virtual address. A real street address indicates greater transparency and accountability. Independent Verification: Websites like LegitScript and the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) provide verification services. Check if the pharmacy is listed and verified.
Scrutinize the website for security protocols. Secure websites use HTTPS, indicated by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.
- HTTPS Security: Ensure the website uses HTTPS. This encrypts your data, protecting your personal and financial information. Privacy Policy: Review the website’s privacy policy carefully. It should detail how your data is collected, used, and protected. Secure Payment Gateway: The payment gateway should be a reputable service like PayPal or Stripe that employs strong security measures.
Contact the pharmacy directly. Test their responsiveness and professionalism.
Contact Information: Check for multiple ways to contact the pharmacy – phone, email, and live chat. Responsiveness: Send a test email or initiate a live chat. Assess the speed and helpfulness of their response. Professionalism: Observe their communication style. Do they provide clear, accurate information and answer your questions thoroughly?
Read online reviews and testimonials. Be wary of overwhelmingly positive reviews.
- Review Platforms: Check independent review sites such as Trustpilot or Google Reviews. Diverse Reviews: Look for a mix of positive and negative reviews. An absence of negative reviews should raise suspicion. Detailed Reviews: Pay attention to reviews that provide specific details about their experience, rather than generic statements.
