Verifying Pharmacy Licenses and Certifications

Check the pharmacy’s website for a license number and state registration. Legitimate online pharmacies prominently display this information. Look for a physical address; a PO Box alone is a red flag. Cross-reference the license number with your state’s board of pharmacy website. Most states have online databases for easy verification.

Checking Accreditation and Certifications

Confirm if the pharmacy holds accreditations from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS). VIPPS accreditation indicates adherence to high standards for online pharmacies. Look for seals or logos indicating accreditation on the pharmacy’s website. These logos usually link to verification pages. Remember to independently verify the accreditation on the accrediting body’s website.

Examine the pharmacy’s security measures. Look for HTTPS in the website’s URL and a privacy policy clearly outlining data protection practices. Secure websites encrypt sensitive data, protecting your personal and financial information. A lack of security protocols is a significant warning sign.