Check the pharmacy’s license directly with your state board of pharmacy. Each state maintains a registry; use a search engine to find your state’s specific licensing board website.
Look for accreditation seals. Legitimate online pharmacies often display seals from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) or the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Click these seals; they should link to verification pages.
- VIPPS: This accreditation program ensures pharmacies meet rigorous standards for online prescription drug dispensing. NABP: While not a direct accreditation program for individual pharmacies, NABP provides resources and information to help you identify legitimate online pharmacies. Their website offers tools for verification.
Examine the pharmacy’s contact information. A legitimate pharmacy will provide a physical address, phone number, and email address. Avoid pharmacies with only PO boxes or vague contact details.
Verify the physical address using online map services like Google Maps. Call the pharmacy’s listed phone number; speak with a pharmacist to ask questions about their services and policies. Check if their email address uses a professional domain, rather than a free email service.
Scrutinize the website’s security. Check for HTTPS encryption (the padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar) and a clear privacy policy that explains how your personal information will be handled.
Review online reviews and testimonials carefully, but be aware that fraudulent websites can fabricate positive reviews. Look for consistency across different review platforms and pay attention to the details provided in the reviews.
