Check for a valid license. Legitimate online pharmacies display their license information prominently. Verify this license with your state’s board of pharmacy or a similar regulatory body.
Look for secure payment methods. Reputable pharmacies use SSL encryption (look for “https” in the URL and a padlock icon) to protect your financial information. Avoid sites that only accept wire transfers or prepaid debit cards.
- Beware of suspiciously low prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Counterfeit medications are often sold at drastically reduced prices. Scrutinize the website design: Professional-looking websites with clear contact information and a physical address suggest legitimacy, while poorly designed sites with limited information are often red flags. Check the pharmacy’s accreditation: Look for accreditation from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. VIPPS accreditation signifies adherence to strict standards.
Read customer reviews carefully. Sites like Trustpilot can provide valuable insight into customer experiences. Look for consistent patterns in reviews, both positive and negative. Pay attention to details: were orders delivered on time? Did the pharmacy address customer concerns effectively?
Verify contact information: Try contacting the pharmacy via phone, email, and fax. A legitimate pharmacy will respond promptly and professionally to your inquiries. Check for a U. S. based pharmacy: Ensure the pharmacy operates legally within the United States. This helps mitigate the risk of receiving counterfeit or substandard medications. Be cautious of unsolicited emails: Never trust pharmacies that contact you through unsolicited emails or spam. Legitimate pharmacies will not aggressively solicit business.
Report suspicious websites. If you encounter a website you suspect is fraudulent, report it to the appropriate authorities, including the FDA and the FTC.
