Check for a valid license and accreditation. Legitimate online pharmacies display their license information prominently, often linking to verifying bodies. Look for seals from organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or similar reputable agencies in your country. A lack of such verification is a major red flag.
Security Measures
Secure websites use HTTPS, indicated by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. Check for data encryption features to protect your personal and payment information. Avoid pharmacies that only accept payment via wire transfer or cryptocurrency; reputable pharmacies typically offer secure payment gateways like PayPal or credit card processing.
Contact information should be readily available. This includes a physical address, phone number, and email address. Legitimate pharmacies are transparent and accessible. Beware of sites with limited or no contact information.
Read user reviews and testimonials. Be cautious of sites with overwhelmingly positive reviews, as these can be fake. Look for detailed reviews that mention both positive and negative experiences. Consider checking independent review sites.
Verify the pharmacist’s credentials. Many legitimate online pharmacies list the credentials of the pharmacists on staff. A transparent disclosure of professional qualifications adds credibility to the site.
Be wary of unusually low prices. Significantly cheaper medications compared to average market price are a major warning sign of counterfeit or substandard drugs. Price should align with other reputable online and brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
