Increased Use of Online Pharmacies Can Potentially Create a Risk for Health and Finances

Many Online Pharmacies Create a Professional Looking Website Designs to Promote Bogus Testimonials and Deep-Fake Celebrity Endorsements to Call for Consumer’s Attention on Social Media

Secretary Mosley: “Access to safe and affordable medications is essential for all New Yorkers.  While online pharmacies can offer convenience, it’s important to be cautious and avoid fraudulent websites that can jeopardize both health and finances.”

The New York Department of State Division of Consumer Protection today warned about the significant rise in the number of consumers using online pharmacies in recent years, primarily driven by perceptions of convenience, lower prices, and product availability.  Despite potential benefits, there are significant areas of concern relating to these businesses, including the prevalence of fraudulent websites, unlicensed pharmacies, risk of receiving unsafe medication, fraud, and identity theft.  As New Yorkers increasingly turn to online pharmacies to purchase medications, the Division of Consumer Protection offers key steps to avoid unsafe risks.

“Access to safe and affordable medications is essential for all New Yorkers.  While online pharmacies can offer convenience, it’s important to be cautious and avoid fraudulent websites that can jeopardize both health and finances,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley.  “The Division of Consumer Protection is committed to educating and supporting residents so they can make informed decisions when new trends such as online pharmacy become popular and confidently protect their health and hard-earned money.”

“Purchasing prescription medication from an illicit online pharmacy is dangerous and can even be deadly,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said.  “Licensed pharmacists are highly qualified medical professionals who understand the complexities of human physiology and how certain medications will interact with a person’s biology and with other medications.  Everyone who receives a prescription deserves the peace of mind that they are getting the exact medication that was prescribed to them by a licensed physician and that the medication they’re receiving is approved, properly dosed and safe.  The New York State Department of Health will continue to work with the New York State Department of State to ensure individuals have the information they need to spot and report illicit online pharmacies and their dangerous misconduct.”

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ONLINE PHARMACIES

An online pharmacy is a pharmacy that operates over the internet and mails prescribed medications to its customers.  According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are approximately 35,000 active online pharmacy websites operating worldwide, a significant number of which operate in violation of state or federal laws and practice standards.  Although government agencies and private organizations have worked hard to curb the illegal sale of prescription drugs online, the problem persists.  To appear legitimate, these illicit online pharmacies use professional-looking website designs.  They promote bogus testimonials and deep-fake celebrity endorsements on social media and other websites, along with depictions of physicians or other medical professionals to create a false impression of credibility and trust while selling unnecessary, dangerous, counterfeit, or misbranded drugs.

Risks Involved With Illicit Online Pharmacies:

• Unsafe Medication: The FDA has warned that there are many unsafe online pharmacies that claim to sell prescription drugs, yet those products may be counterfeit or illegally compounded medications.  In October of 2024, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a public safety alert citing an increase in illegal online pharmacies selling and shipping counterfeit pills made with fentanyl and methamphetamine to unsuspecting customers in the United States.  The FBI issued a similar alert in 2025, warning the public of fraudulently compounded drugs claiming to contain popular weight loss drugs that did not actually contain any of the claimed medication, had high levels of impurities, or contained unsafe or unapproved drugs.  Counterfeit and fraudulently compounded medicine can be harmful to your health as it may contain ingredients that cause serious health risks, harmful side effects, or ineffective treatment.
• Scams and Identity Theft: Online pharmacy scams often target expensive prescriptions that are in high demand or that insurance plans don’t cover.  By falling for their offer of a great deal or easy access, you may be setting yourself up for identity theft when entering your personal information into one of these fake storefronts.  Illegal sites often exist to harvest personal, financial, and medical information for identity theft.

Watch Out for These Online Pharmacy Red Flags:

• Medication that does not require a prescription
• Deeply discounted prices
• Online pharmacies that do not have a licensed pharmacist to answer questions and concerns
• Websites that do not clearly state that they will not share your personal information

What to Look for When Ordering from an Online Pharmacy:

• Licensing and accreditation: Verify you are purchasing prescription medication from a licensed online pharmacy.  Online pharmacies shipping into New York State must register with the New York Board of Pharmacy.  You can check here https://eservices.nysed.gov/professions/verification-search to confirm your preferred source is licensed, ensuring compliance with New York state and federal laws for digital prescriptions and telehealth.
• Physical Location: Look for a physical U.S. address and telephone number, not just an e-mail address or contact form.
• Access to a Pharmacist: Legitimate pharmacies must offer access to a licensed pharmacist to answer questions.  Be sure to consult your own physician and obtain a prescription before starting any new drug.  A legitimate online pharmacy will not sell medication without a prescription.
• Secure Payment Method: Legitimate online pharmacies offer the option to pay with a credit card, which offers better fraud protection.
• Privacy Policies: Look for the privacy policies that clearly state that the company won’t sell your personal information.

For additional information on how to buy medicines safely online, check out the FDA’s BeSafeRx.

How To Report Fake Online Pharmacies:

Report fake online pharmacies to the FDA Internet Pharmacy Task Force, the primary federal agency for reporting counterfeit, fraudulent, or unsafe internet drug sales at druginfo@fda.hhs.gov or call 855-543-3784.  To report a complaint against a pharmacist or pharmacy located in New York State, contact the NYS Office of Professional Discipline online or the NYS Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection.