Check for licensing and accreditation. Look for pharmacies licensed by your country’s regulatory bodies. The pharmacy should clearly display its license number and registration details.
Verify their physical address. A legitimate pharmacy will have a verifiable physical location. Don’t trust pharmacies with only a PO box or virtual address.
Examine their security protocols. Secure websites use HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser). They should also clearly outline their data protection policies.
Read customer reviews and testimonials. Independent review sites offer valuable insights into a pharmacy’s reliability and customer service. Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback.
| National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) | Check their Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) accreditation. |
| Other relevant national bodies | Search their website for pharmacy registries and license verification tools. |
Contact the pharmacy directly. Ask questions about their ordering process, shipping, and return policies. A professional and responsive customer service team is a good sign.
Avoid pharmacies offering suspiciously low prices or those that don’t require a prescription. These are often red flags indicating illegal operations.
Report suspicious pharmacies. If you encounter a pharmacy you suspect is operating illegally, report it to your local authorities or relevant regulatory bodies.
