Check the pharmacy’s website for a physical address and contact information. Legitimate pharmacies will readily provide this. A lack of transparency is a major red flag.
Verify their license with your state’s board of pharmacy. Most state boards maintain online registries of licensed pharmacies. Use their search tools to confirm the pharmacy’s legitimacy.
Look for verification seals from organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). These seals often link to the pharmacy’s verification status on the NABP website. This provides an additional layer of confirmation.
Examine the pharmacy’s security measures. Secure websites use HTTPS (the “s” is crucial). Look for indicators of data encryption and privacy policies. This helps protect your personal and financial information.
Read customer reviews from reputable sources like independent review sites. While not foolproof, a consistent pattern of negative reviews should raise concerns.
Contact the pharmacy directly with questions about their credentials. A professional response, including specific details about their licensing and operating procedures, builds trust.
Report suspicious pharmacies to your state board of pharmacy or the NABP. This helps protect other consumers from potential harm.
