What to Know to Avoid Online Pharmacy Scams

Did you know?

In 2017, the average cost of health care in the United States was $10,739 per person. Employers should expect to spend up to 16 percent of their yearly healthcare budget on pharmacy-related costs. It’s no surprise, then, that employees are searching for the bestpharmacy to buy medicine online.

According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 8 out of 10 Americans purchase online. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), one out of every four people has purchased medications online. Sure, convenience is important, but it’s also easier to discover the best discounts with just a few clicks than it is to physically go to several locations to compare prices.

Online pharmacy

Lower-cost alternatives will become increasingly more appealing when the cost of prescription medicine rises. Online pharmacy appears to be successful in both areas: Prescriptions that are cheaper and delivered right to your front door, often with no questions asked.

What if you get to know that According to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, more than 95 percent of the more than 35,000 online pharmacies are unlawful and hazardous.

Because there are thousands of these pharmacies open right now, it’s critical to assist your employees in becoming knowledgeable and staying secure.

Online Pharmacy Warning Signs

While recognised and certified online pharmacies are excellent choices, purchasing medications from untrustworthy sources can be hazardous and even fatal. Unfortunately, many customers are unaware of the warning signals of a fraudulent online pharmacy. Keep an eye out for the following red flags:

  • Sends unsolicited emails or postings on social media advertising huge savings on well-known medications.
  • Before distributing medications or durable medical equipment without a valid prescription, a questionnaire must be completed online (or over the phone).
  • A legitimate prescription from a licenced online pharmacy is not required.
  • Offers prices or bargains that are too good to be true.
  • There isn’t a licenced pharmacist on staff who can provide advice.
  • Ships prescription medications into the United States from other countries.
  • There is no real street address listed.

What’s at risk?

Illegal internet dealers’ drugs may be dangerous because they include too many, too few, or no active ingredients at all.Furthermore, this fake, tainted, or outdated medications may be made with additional toxic and lethal compounds. Even little changes in drugs can cause someone to become ill, build a tolerance to the treatment, produce new adverse effects, or interact dangerously with other medications.

How to Be Safe With Genuine Online Pharmacy

1. If you are looking to buy medicine online that is safe and genuine, then an online pharmacy should have:

  • Require the use of a valid prescription.
  • Give your physical address.
  • Obtain a pharmacy licence from the state board of pharmacy in both your home state and the state where the drugstore is located.
  • Have a state-licensed pharmacist on hand to answer any queries you may have.

2. Protect personal information. After you’ve validated all of the above, don’t give out personal information like health insurance information or credit card numbers until you’ve double-checked that the site is secure.

3. Keep track of your order. Use an online pharmacy that tracks orders through a third-party service such as FedEx, UPS, or the U.S. Postal Service. If an order arrives late, is damaged, or never arrives, the tracking information will assist in determining what went wrong.