Check the pharmacy’s license with your state board of pharmacy. This verifies their legal operation within the USA. You can usually find this information easily on their website.
Verify the pharmacist’s license. Legitimate pharmacies will list their licensed pharmacists’ credentials. This adds another layer of accountability.
Look for the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) accreditation. This program, run by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP), ensures adherence to high standards of online pharmacy practice. The VIPPS seal indicates a pharmacy has met strict criteria.
Scrutinize the website for secure payment options. Look for HTTPS encryption and trusted payment processors. Avoid sites using insecure methods. Secure transactions protect your financial information.
Read customer reviews carefully. Beware of suspiciously positive or overwhelmingly negative reviews. Authentic reviews provide valuable insight into a pharmacy’s reliability and customer service.
Confirm the pharmacy’s physical address. A legitimate business will provide a verifiable street address. This allows you to cross-reference information and identify potential red flags.
| State License | Clearly displayed on website | Missing or unverifiable license |
| Pharmacist Information | Licenses and contact details available | Lack of pharmacist information |
| VIPPS Accreditation | Displays the VIPPS seal | No VIPPS accreditation |
| Payment Security | HTTPS, trusted processors | Unsecured payment methods |
| Customer Reviews | Mostly positive and detailed | Overwhelmingly negative or fake reviews |
| Physical Address | Verifiable street address | Missing or suspicious address |
Contact the pharmacy directly. Ask questions about their policies and procedures. A prompt and informative response demonstrates professionalism and transparency. Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong, it probably is.
