Check the pharmacy’s license. Look for a visible license number and verify it with your state board of pharmacy or a comparable regulatory body. Legitimate pharmacies readily display this information.
Confirm their physical address. A legitimate online pharmacy will have a verifiable street address, not just a PO Box. Use online mapping services to locate it. Avoid pharmacies with only vague location details.
Secure Communication
Ensure they use HTTPS. The website URL should begin with “https://” indicating a secure connection. Look for a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.
Scrutinize their privacy policy. A reputable pharmacy protects your data with a clear and detailed privacy policy. Review it carefully for compliance with data protection regulations. Lack of a policy is a major red flag.
Customer Service and Accreditation
Examine customer reviews. Read independent reviews on sites like Trustpilot or Yelp. Focus on consistent feedback regarding order fulfillment, customer support, and overall experience. Consider the volume and recency of reviews.
Look for accreditations. Check if the pharmacy holds accreditation from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. This demonstrates a commitment to high standards.
Contact Information and Transparency
Verify contact information. A legitimate pharmacy will provide multiple ways to contact them, including phone, email, and a physical address. Test their responsiveness by contacting them with a simple question.
Check their prescription process. Understand their process for obtaining and filling prescriptions. A pharmacy requiring only minimal information should raise concerns.
Report suspicious pharmacies. You can report pharmacies that appear illegitimate to your state board of pharmacy or relevant authorities. This helps protect other consumers.
