Check the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. Verify this information independently through your state’s board of pharmacy or a reputable accreditation organization like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. Legitimate pharmacies will readily display this information.
Examine the website’s security. Look for the “https” in the website address and a padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar. This indicates secure encryption protecting your personal data. Avoid sites lacking these security features.
Contact Information Verification
Confirm the pharmacy’s physical address and contact details. A legitimate pharmacy will provide a physical address, phone number, and email address. Try to contact them – a real business will respond.
Prescription Handling
Scrutinize their prescription process. Reputable pharmacies require a valid prescription from a licensed physician. Be wary of those offering medications without a prescription, this is illegal and dangerous. Also, verify their methods for prescription verification – a reputable pharmacy will use secure systems.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Read independent customer reviews. While some fake reviews exist, a pattern of overwhelmingly negative feedback should raise red flags. Look for sites like Trustpilot or independent review forums.
Pricing Transparency
Compare prices to other pharmacies (both online and local). Prices that are drastically lower than average could indicate counterfeit medication. Beware suspiciously cheap prices.
