Check the website’s URL carefully. Legitimate pharmacies use secure connections (HTTPS) and have professional-looking domains. Avoid sites with misspellings or unusual top-level domains (.net, .info instead of. com for reputable sources).
Look for contact information. Trustworthy businesses openly display their physical address, phone number, and email address. Lack of contact details is a major red flag.
Scrutinize pricing. Prices far below market value are suspicious. Extremely low prices often signal counterfeit or substandard medication.
Investigate online reviews and testimonials. Read reviews on independent review sites, not just those displayed on the seller’s website. Be wary of overwhelmingly positive reviews–they might be fake.
Beware of unsolicited emails or text messages. Legitimate pharmacies rarely advertise via spam. Delete such messages immediately; never click on the links within them.
Use secure payment methods. Avoid sending money via wire transfer or prepaid debit cards. Credit cards offer some buyer protection.
Verify licensing and accreditation. Check if the online pharmacy is licensed by relevant authorities. Look for information on their accreditation and registration.
Report suspicious websites. If you encounter a fraudulent website, report it to the appropriate authorities, like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the US or your country’s equivalent.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide guidance on safe and legitimate sources for medications.
Remember: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Prioritize your health and safety; don’t compromise on quality or security for a lower price.
