Pharmacy scam check: Spot fake online pharmacies fast

Fake online pharmacies hide behind low prices and glossy sites. You can avoid scams by checking a few specific things every time before ordering medication. Here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide you can use right now.

Quick scam checklist

1) Look for a license and regulator. Reputable pharmacies list a license number and the regulator—NABP (US), CIPA (Canada), MHRA (UK), TGA (Australia). If you can’t verify the license on the regulator’s site, don’t buy.

2) Prescription requirement. Any pharmacy that offers prescription-only drugs without asking for a valid prescription is a red flag. Real pharmacies will ask for a prescription or have a licensed pharmacist consult you.

3) Secure checkout. Check for HTTPS, clear contact details, and trusted payment options (credit card, PayPal). Avoid sites that push wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or direct bank transfers.

4) Too-good-to-be-true prices. Deep discounts can mean counterfeit or expired drugs. Compare prices on trusted comparison tools before you click buy.

Deep checks that matter

Read independent reviews and look for verified customer feedback on third-party sites, not just testimonials on the pharmacy’s page. Check domain age—new domains are more likely to be scam operations. Use WHOIS lookup to see registration details if you want more proof.

Ask for pharmacist contact. A legitimate online pharmacy will give you a real phone number and let you speak with a licensed pharmacist about dosing and interactions. Try calling before you order—if the number doesn’t connect or is generic, walk away.

Verify medicine packaging details in product photos. Genuine pharmacies usually show batch numbers, expiry dates, and clear labeling. If photos look oddly cropped, blurry, or repeated across many products, that’s a warning sign.

Check regulatory watchdog lists. Use LegitScript, PharmacyChecker, or the NABP’s list of not recommended pharmacies. These services flag sites that act illegally or sell unsafe products.

Watch shipping and customs rules. Some meds are illegal to import in certain countries. If the pharmacy promises to bypass customs or uses vague shipping methods, don’t risk it.

Keep records. Save order confirmations, receipts, and photos of the package. If something goes wrong, these records will help you dispute charges or report the seller.

Need examples? We review many pharmacies and medications—like canadapharmacy.com, Lisinopril, Cefdinir, and Zithromax—so you can see how real checks look in practice. Use those reviews as templates for what to look for.

Bottom line: a few quick checks—license, prescription policy, secure payment, real contact info, and watchdog verification—will cut most scams out. If you spot even one major red flag, find another seller or consult your doctor or local pharmacist first.