Online Pharmacy Scams

What kinds of online pharmacy scams do you have to watch out for?

Practically anyone who can set up a web site can start an online internet pharmacy. While there are many legitimate online pharmacy operations, the internet makes it very easy for criminals to set up an online store front. They can look slick, but it is only a facade.


These "pharmacies" aren't really pharmacies at all. They certainly won't have pharmacists or other medical staff on hand. They could very well send you counterfeit drugs with little if any active ingredients. They may be a front for organized crime that uses online pharmacy as a way to collect your VISA and Mastercard credit card information.

Here's an example of the kind of internet pharmacy you want to avoid.

"Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Karen P. Tandy today announced the results of Operation “Cyber Chase”, a year-long Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that targeted international Internet pharmaceutical traffickers operating in the United States, India, Asia, Europe and the Caribbean. These e-traffickers distributed drugs world-wide using “rogue” Internet pharmacies...more.

Basic Defenses: Use your common sense. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Do your homework. Is it a full service on line pharmacy? Is it easy to contact them and get answers to questions? Are they registered with their local College of Pharmacy or Pharmacy Association? Do they require a prescription? Is the country where they pharmacy is located have a well established regulatory environment for pharmaceutical practice, distribution and GMP (Good manufacturing Practice)?

Pharmacy scams only work with your help. You may really need that less expensive medication but don't throw common sense out the window. Protect yourself.

For more information on how to spot an online internet pharmacy scam, go to the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency).

In the end, it comes down to doing the research and following your gut. I will eventually make some recommendations based on my own experience working with various online pharmacies in Canada. Until then, be careful and follow the guidelines I've talked about on this site.