How to judge a link to a pharmacy or health article in under a minute
Not every link that promises cheap meds or a miracle cure is worth clicking. Some links save you money and time; others can lead to scams, counterfeit drugs, or bad medical advice. Here are simple, practical checks you can run fast — no tech degree required.
Quick checklist: what to look for at a glance
1) Look at the domain. Reputable pharmacies use clear, consistent domain names and usually include company contact info on the site. Weird strings, extra hyphens, or unfamiliar country codes are a red flag.
2) Check HTTPS and the padlock. If the page isn’t secure (no padlock), don’t submit personal or payment info.
3) Find the contact details. A real pharmacy will list a physical address, phone number, and pharmacist contact. No contact info or only a web form is suspicious.
4) Prescription policy. Legit pharmacies require a prescription for prescription-only drugs. If a site sells controlled meds without asking for a prescription, avoid it.
5) Compare prices and shipping. Extremely low prices or free international shipping on brand-name drugs are often bait for counterfeit products.
How to dig a little deeper without getting lost
Use these quick checks when you have a minute: search the site name plus words like “review,” “scam,” or “license.” Check for third-party seals (NABP/VIPPS, LegitScript) and click through to confirm the seal is valid — seals can be faked.
Look up the pharmacy on regulatory sites. In the U.S., the NABP and state boards list licensed pharmacies. For Canadian pharmacies, check provincial college registries. If you see repeated complaints on consumer forums, take those seriously.
Read recent reviews but focus on patterns. A one-off complaint is normal; dozens of similar complaints about non-delivery, wrong drugs, or no refunds is a dealbreaker.
Payment method matters. Sites that only accept wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid cards are risky. Credit cards and reputable processors offer dispute and fraud protection.
Check packaging and drug details. Legit pharmacies include manufacturer names, lot numbers, and expiration dates. If a listing shows only vague photos or stock images, ask for more details before you buy.
On this site we review online pharmacies and buying guides — from Toprol and Losartan ordering tips to reviews of canadaprescriptionsplus and duckdose.net. Use those reviews to compare how a site stacks up against trusted alternatives.
If you’re ever unsure, call a local pharmacist or your doctor before ordering. A quick question can save you money and prevent harm. Want a short checklist you can save? Here’s the core: domain, HTTPS, contact, prescription policy, payment options, and regulator checks. Follow those and you’ll cut most risky links out fast.
