Verify the pharmacy’s license. Check for state licensing information on the pharmacy’s website and verify it with the relevant state board of pharmacy.
- Look for a physical address. Legitimate pharmacies have a verifiable street address, not just a PO box. Check for contact information. A legitimate pharmacy provides multiple ways to contact them, including phone, email, and possibly fax. Review online reviews. Search for the pharmacy’s name on independent review sites. Look for patterns in both positive and negative reviews.
Confirm the pharmacy’s accreditation. Legitimate online pharmacies often hold accreditations from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Look for their logos on the website.
Scrutinize security measures. Check if the pharmacy uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption, indicated by “https” in the website address and a padlock icon. This protects your personal and financial information. Examine their privacy policy. Ensure the pharmacy has a clear privacy policy outlining how it handles your data. Read their terms and conditions. These should clearly outline their return policy, shipping information, and other important details.
Compare prices cautiously. While significantly lower prices can be a red flag, drastically higher prices might also indicate a scam. Research average medication costs to gain perspective.
Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a pharmacy that displays any warning signs, report it to your state board of pharmacy and the FDA.
