Check the pharmacy’s registration with Health Canada. Their website should clearly display their license number and allow you to verify it independently on the Health Canada website.
Look for a physical address in Canada. Avoid pharmacies only listing PO boxes or virtual addresses.
Examine their contact information. Legitimate pharmacies provide multiple contact methods, including phone, email, and a physical address for correspondence. Be wary of sites with limited or unclear contact details.
Scrutinize their website security. A secure website uses HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar). Verify the pharmacy uses encryption to protect your personal and payment information.
Read online reviews from verified customers. Independent review sites offer insights into the pharmacy’s reliability and customer service. Pay attention to consistent feedback, both positive and negative.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide advice on safe online pharmacies and may even have relationships with reputable online providers.
Compare prices with established pharmacies. Be cautious of unusually low prices; they may indicate counterfeit medication or a fraudulent operation.
Never share personal information or make payments through insecure methods. Protect your data and only use established payment gateways.
Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a potentially illegitimate pharmacy, report it to Health Canada and relevant authorities.
