Fake online pharmacy scam: how it works, warning signs and what to do
Shopping scams · alto
Websites and spam offer medicines at discounts that seem too good to be true, often without asking for a prescription. Some imitate well-known pharmacies. The buyer may receive nothing, have card details stolen or get a counterfeit or substandard product.
The US FDA lists signs of a safe online pharmacy: it always requires a doctor's prescription, provides a US physical address and phone number, offers a pharmacist to answer questions and is licensed with the state board of pharmacy. Red flags: selling without a prescription, very cheap prices, spam, being located outside the US and lacking a US license.
Sinais / Signs
- Prescription drugs sold without a prescription
- Deep discounts that seem too good to be true
- Unsolicited email offering cheap drugs
- No physical address, phone or pharmacist available
- No valid license in the country or state
Prevenção / Prevention
- Buy only from pharmacies that require a prescription
- Check the license with your state board of pharmacy
- Ignore spam and ads for cheap medicines
- Ask your doctor where to buy safely
- Pay by credit card, which makes disputes easier
O que fazer / What to do
- Don't take the product you received and see your doctor
- Ask your card issuer to dispute the charge and block the card
- Report the site to the FTC and health authorities
- Watch for misuse of the data you submitted
FAQ
Is a pharmacy that sells without a prescription always a scam?
For prescription drugs, the FDA flags this practice as a sign of an unsafe pharmacy.
How can I check whether an online pharmacy is legitimate?
Per the FDA: it requires a prescription, has a US address and phone number, a pharmacist available and a state board of pharmacy license.