Verify licensing: Check the Canadian government’s website for licensed pharmacies. Look for a license number and verify its validity. Don’t trust pharmacies lacking this information.
Examine the website’s security: Ensure the website uses HTTPS (look for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar). Check for a privacy policy outlining data protection measures.
- Look for contact information: A legitimate pharmacy provides a physical address, phone number, and email address. Avoid pharmacies with only a PO box. Read customer reviews: Independent reviews from verified customers offer valuable insights into a pharmacy’s reliability and service quality. Be wary of sites with overwhelmingly positive reviews only. Scrutinize their pricing: Prices significantly lower than average might signal illegitimate operations. Extreme discounts should raise red flags.
Confirm their registration with regulatory bodies: Reputable Canadian pharmacies are registered with the appropriate provincial regulatory colleges of pharmacists. Verify this information directly with the college.
Beware of unsolicited emails or ads: Legitimate pharmacies rarely use aggressive marketing tactics. Report suspicious emails to authorities. Use reputable comparison websites: Several websites compare online pharmacies, offering reviews and ratings based on various factors. Use this information to guide your choice, but independently verify claims. Consult your doctor or pharmacist: Discuss your prescription needs with your healthcare professional before using an online pharmacy. They can offer guidance on safe and reliable options.
Report suspicious activity: If you encounter a potentially fraudulent online pharmacy, report it to the relevant authorities. This helps protect others from similar scams.
