Online Pharmacy Review: How to Spot Safe Pharmacies and Avoid Scams

Shopping for medicines online can save time and money — but it can also be risky. You don’t need a pharmacy degree to tell a legit site from a scam. Use a few quick checks and you’ll know if a store is safe before you hit "buy."

Quick 8-point checklist for safe online pharmacies

1) Prescription required: A real pharmacy will always ask for a valid prescription for prescription-only drugs. If the site sells antibiotics, heart meds, or controlled substances without one, walk away.

2) Visible contact info: Look for a working phone number and a physical address. Try calling — a responsive staff line is a strong trust signal.

3) License and certification: Search for pharmacy licenses or seals like CIPA or VIPPS. Click through to the certifier’s site to confirm it’s real, not just an image pasted on the page.

4) Pharmacist access: Legit stores let you consult with a pharmacist by phone, chat, or email. That’s important if you have drug interactions or allergies.

5) Secure checkout: Make sure the site uses HTTPS and accepts trusted payment methods. Avoid wire transfers or cryptocurrency-only checkouts.

6) Clear shipping and returns: Real pharmacies state shipping times, country of origin, customs risks, and a fair refund policy.

7) Real reviews and transparency: Read outside reviews on independent sites, not just the testimonials on the pharmacy’s page. Watch for repeated, generic reviews — they’re often fake.

8) Price realism: Deep discounts on brand-name drugs can be a red flag. Generics should be cheaper, but extreme bargains may mean counterfeit products.

Common red flags and what to do

If a site pressures you to buy fast, offers no prescription checks, lists no license, or has no pharmacist contact, don’t risk it. Fake meds can be harmful — wrong dose, wrong ingredient, or contaminated. If something feels off, compare with a pharmacy you trust or ask your doctor where to order safely.

Want a quick test? Search the pharmacy name plus "scam" or "reviews" and check WHOIS for recent domain registration. New domains with no history are riskier. Also check if the site ships from unexpected countries and read the small print on customs and delivery times.

We regularly review online pharmacies and post practical guides on buying specific meds, safety tips, and alternatives. If you’re unsure about a site, browse our Online Pharmacy Review tag to read real examples and step-by-step checks. Stay safe, ask questions, and always keep your prescriber in the loop before ordering medication online.