Check the pharmacy’s website for a readily visible license number and its issuing state board. Confirm this information independently by searching the board’s online database. This directly verifies their legal operation within a specific jurisdiction.
Look for Accreditation
Legitimate online pharmacies often display accreditation seals from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Click these seals; they should link to verification pages confirming their accreditation status. This adds another layer of validation.
Scrutinize Contact Information
A legitimate pharmacy provides complete contact details: a physical address, phone number, and email address. Avoid pharmacies with only a PO box or vague contact information. These details should be readily accessible and clearly displayed.
Examine Security Measures
Look for security symbols like the Norton Secured Seal or McAfee SECURE indicating data encryption during transactions. Secure sites use HTTPS, signified by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. This protects your personal and payment data.
Review Customer Testimonials (With Caution)
While reviews can be helpful, treat them cautiously. Fake reviews are common. Focus on the overall trend, not just individual comments. Look for consistency in positive feedback. A mix of positive and negative, realistic reviews is a good sign.
Avoid Suspiciously Low Prices
Unusually cheap medications are often a red flag. Extremely discounted drugs may be counterfeit or substandard. Price comparison is wise, but extreme price discrepancies should raise concerns.
