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News -
Odds and ends
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Written by Malia Politzer
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Thursday, 12 February 2009 13:15 |
Legitimate online pharmacies do exist. But how to tell which sites are legitimate and which aren't?
It's tough. According to a recent report by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, "of nearly 2,986 online pharmacies studied, only two are Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS), the industry credential assuring consumers of legitimate online pharmacy operations."
The best solution? Don't buy drugs online. But if you have to, here are 10 tips from the CASA report on how to flag scams:
- Is there a person behind the site? Nearly 94% of dodgy sites didn't have a verifiable pharmacist.
- How are drugs prescribed? If the website doesn't require prescriptions for prescription-only drugs or offers "online consultations" where a "doctor" signs prescriptions without ever actually seeing the patient, it's a red flag.
- Does the pharmacy have a physical address and working phone number? According to law, pharmacies have to have a traceable, concrete address. And if the phone number doesn't work, it's a sure sign the site's a doozy.
- Does it have a recognizable "stamp of approval"? Double check on the website of the approving agency to make sure the pharmacy actually exists—CASA found that 86% of stamped sites led to bogus "approval" web pages.
- Is the pharmacy listed as a legitimate website? Cross check it with LegitScript, a non-profit created to identify and approve online pharmacies. Other online verification sites include pharmacychecker and the National Association of Board of Pharmacy.
- Does it have a fake agency logo? Dodgy pharmacies often post logos from professional/government agencies on the Web site (like the FDA) to make them look more legitimate, and even invent false accreditation (like the American Drug Administration).
- Can you pay with a major credit card? Some sites advertise major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover), but do not permit all advertised modes of transaction at time of purchase.
- Are there attempts made to help the consumer avoid detection? For example, the CASA report found one online pharmacy writes "Credit card statement will show payment to Global Research." And another "Our organization name is not indicated on any package and shipments are made form various shipping doings in Europe and other parts of the world to ensure maximum discretion and highest probability of successful delivery."
- Does the website offer "bulk discounts" or "special deals" on prescription only medication? Legitimate sites would not do this, as it's medically inadvisable and potentially dangerous.
- Is it easy to find privacy/security policies? If not, it indicates dodgy dealings.
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Last Updated on Friday, 13 February 2009 10:49 |
