The Wellness Collective

How to Spot Online Pharmacy Scams (and What Legit Digital Healthcare Platforms Look Like)

Reviewed by Adam Gardner, Licensed Pharmacist & COO of TelyRx

Mariah Powers
June 24, 2025

Online pharmacies have become a game-changer for modern healthcare access. They’re fast, discreet, and incredibly convenient — especially for chronic conditions, dealing with mobility challenges, or just trying to fit healthcare into an otherwise busy schedule.

The numbers tell the story: 52% of U.S. adults have now purchased prescription medications from an online pharmacy, with 71% reporting they first started within the past 1–3 years. And among those who’ve made the switch, 85% are still using them to manage one or more prescriptions.

Clearly, the necessity is real. And while most of these online pharmacies are legitimate, the risks are real too.

What many patients don’t realize is that not all digital healthcare platforms are created equal. Some are fully licensed, physician-supervised, and compliant with U.S. law — like TelyRx. Others operate in a less ethical way, selling unregulated or even counterfeit medication, bypassing basic safety steps like requiring a prescription, or prioritizing profits over patient safety.

Today, we’re breaking down the red flags to watch out for, the common traps even smart consumers fall into, and what legitimate, transparent healthcare platforms look like so you can get the care you need, safely.

red flags to watch for in online pharmacies

It’s easy to assume you’d be able to spot a sketchy site a mile away. Unfortunately, bad actors have gotten much more sophisticated. Sketchy pharmacies now use sleek branding, convincing copy, and influencer-style ads to mimic real healthcare platforms. Some even run paid search ads, making them appear alongside trustworthy providers.

Here are the most common red flags — and why they’re so effective at fooling people.

1. No Prescription Required

If a site lets you order prescription medication without a prescription — or offers “instant approvals” — it’s breaking the law. Period.

Sure, it feels fast and easy, especially for stigmatized conditions like STIs, hair loss, or erectile dysfunction. But this model skips the critical medical oversight that keeps you safe.

Case in point: A recent JAMA Network Open no-prescription study revealed that about 42% of online pharmacies selling semaglutide operate without licenses and dispense without prescriptions. The result?

Vials contained 29–39% more drug than labeled, with purity levels as low as 7–14% compared to the advertised 99%, according to LC-MS testing. This is exactly why using proper prescription processes and only FDA-approved medications is critical.

2. Fake Quizzes or Auto-Approved Medical Forms

These sites mimic legitimate telehealth intake forms but don’t include any real clinical review. This creates the illusion of being “checked” by a doctor, but it’s often just a formality to get you to the checkout screen faster.

3. Compounded or “Custom” Versions of Name-Brand Meds

You’ll see this a lot with acne treatments, hormone therapy, and compounded weight loss drugs, which were recently banned by the FDA entirely. While compounding has legal and legitimate uses in narrow cases, online scammers exploit this loophole to avoid FDA oversight.

“Custom” sounds premium, right? In reality, you’re often getting unregulated medication with inconsistent dosages or questionable purity.

4. Hidden Subscriptions

You think you’re placing a one-time order, then—surprise! —you’re billed again next month. Subscription models are normalized in our digital lives, but they’re completely inappropriate for medication unless you explicitly opt in.

5. Prices That Seem Too Good to Be True

Medication prices do vary, but if something costs drastically less than anywhere else, it’s a good idea to ask yourself why. Americans are price-sensitive, especially the under-insured. Scammers take advantage of this by selling placebos or expired meds at a deep discount.

6. Missing Provider Credentials

A trustworthy healthcare platform will proudly share its physicians’ credentials, licensing, and certifications. If that information is nowhere to be found? Major red flag.

Most people never scroll past the homepage to check credentials, but this transparency gap often signals there’s no licensed medical team involved at all.

7. “Get Meds Instantly” Marketing

If the messaging emphasizes speed over safety, there’s probably no real medical oversight happening. We’re all trained to expect frictionless digital experiences, but healthcare should never cut corners on safety.

8. Sketchy Privacy Policies

Most users don’t read privacy policies (we get it), but many of these sites sell or share your health data with third parties. People assume their health information is protected by law, but only HIPAA-compliant providers like TelyRx can guarantee that protection.

9. No U.S. Contact Info or Support

When things go wrong (delays, wrong meds, side effects), there’s no one to call, or you’re stuck talking to a bot. Most people don’t think about customer support until they need it, and by then, it’s too late.

why the problem is getting worse

The Online Pharmacy Boom

There’s no question: the online pharmacy industry is growing at an unprecedented pace. In 2023, it was valued at $109.74 billion, and it’s projected to more than double to $286.26 billion by 2029.

Behind that growth is a massive shift in how Americans access care — one that’s being driven by rising prescription drug prices, overburdened healthcare systems, and a growing desire for fast, discreet service.

The appeal is obvious:

Affordability – Online pharmacies often offer lower prices than local drugstores
Convenience – No long waits or awkward conversations
Access – When local pharmacies are out of stock, or when certain medications are hard to find, digital options fill the gap

This growth represents real progress. Telehealth and digital pharmacies have removed barriers for millions of people who once struggled to get the care they needed.

But this rapid expansion has a downside: regulation hasn’t kept pace with demand.

This doesn’t mean online pharmacies are inherently unsafe — far from it. But it does mean consumers need better information to separate the trustworthy from the questionable.

Dangerous Misconceptions Are Growing

So, in the booming industry of digital healthcare, there are two issues at play: the first is the existence of bad actors who deliberately cut corners and exploit regulatory gaps. The second—and perhaps more dangerous—is that consumers have widespread misconceptions about how online pharmacy regulation actually works.

While we can’t control bad actors, we can address the misinformation that makes consumers vulnerable to them. According to the 2023 ASOP Foundation survey, misinformation about online pharmacies is alarmingly common — and growing:

54% of Americans incorrectly believe that digital pharmacies are automatically FDA- or state-approved.
44% think prescriptions aren’t always required, even for controlled substances.
47% believe that only “safe” pharmacies appear at the top of Google results.

None of these assumptions are true. Unfortunately, these misunderstandings create the perfect environment for untrustworthy sites to thrive.

Even more troubling? These beliefs are becoming more common — increasing by 9 to 12 percentage points from ASOP’s 2021 report. This means that while online pharmacy use is going up, awareness of what makes a provider safe is going down.

The Real-World Consequences

When regulation fails to keep up with innovation, patients can end up paying the price, and these aren’t theoretical risks. They’re already showing up in real-world data:

24% of Americans who’ve used online pharmacies say they’ve received harmful, substandard, or counterfeit medications — up from 17% just two years prior
Some received medications that were underdosed, overdosed, or contained unknown fillers
Others were repeatedly billed for products they never authorized
Many discovered that their private health data had been sold to ad networks, third-party resellers, or marketers — with no transparency and no way to opt out

Despite this, only 44% of Americans now describe buying medications online as risky — down significantly from 54% in 2021. These statistics aren’t reasons to avoid digital healthcare platforms entirely, but they do underscore why choosing carefully matters.

what a legitimate provider always offers

Here’s your checklist for identifying a safe, trustworthy digital healthcare platform:

1. Real, U.S.-Licensed Medical Oversight — Not Just a Form

Every prescription should be tied to a genuine clinical review from a U.S.-licensed physician or nurse practitioner. This isn’t just good practice — it’s the law.

At TelyRx:

Every prescription request is reviewed by a licensed medical doctor who’s licensed in the state that you reside in
All prescriptions comply with federal laws, state laws and telehealth standards
While our providers are timely, there’s no such thing as instant approval

We believe that proper oversight is what protects patients — and ensures you’re getting the right medication for your health profile.

2. Transparent, One-Time Pricing — No Subscription Traps

Healthcare pricing should never be ambiguous. A legitimate provider will:

Show all prices before you create an account
Clearly explain what you’re paying for — medication, consultation, shipping, etc.
Offer one-time orders with no forced subscriptions

TelyRx never requires subscriptions. You get the medication you need when you need it—no pressure and no fine print. TelyRx offers the option for auto refill enrollment, but that’s an independent choice made by you.

3. Only FDA-Approved Medications

While compounded meds have their place in specialized care, they’re often used to cut corners and avoid FDA scrutiny.

Compounded drugs:

Are not FDA-approved
May have inconsistent strengths or purities
Often come from unlicensed or overseas facilities

TelyRx only dispenses medications that are:

FDA-approved
Sourced through U.S.-based, state-licensed wholesalers
Shipped from licensed partner pharmacies

We don’t believe in shortcuts when it comes to your health.

4. Recognized Certifications and Compliance

If a healthcare platform is operating above board, they should be able to prove it.

Look for:

LegitScript certification (recognized by Google, FDA, and payment processors)
HIPAA-compliant privacy protections
Required state licenses

TelyRx is fully certified and compliant with all state and federal requirements. You can verify our credentials any time.

5. Real, Verified Patient Reviews

Fake sites often showcase glowing testimonials with no names, no platforms, and no way to verify authenticity.

TelyRx shares:

Reviews from actual customers
Verified feedback via platforms like Google or ShopperApproved
Positive reviews that include constructive points to address

We don’t hide feedback — we use it to keep improving.

6. Responsive, U.S.-Based Support

You deserve better than a chatbot when your health is involved. TelyRx offers:

Live phone and email support with real humans who care
Prompt help with orders, prescriptions, refills, or questions
A team of dedicated pharmacists who are ready to answer your questions at any time
We treat patients like people, not tickets

ask these questions before you order

In a world where convenience can cost safety, it’s crucial to ask better questions and choose providers that meet the highest standards.

Before using any online pharmacy, ask:

Is a real provider involved in my care?
Are the meds FDA-approved?
Is pricing clear and subscription-free?
Can I verify certifications and licenses?
Is live support available if something goes wrong?
Is my private health information protected?

If the answer to any of these is no, walk—or click— away.

trust isn't optional in healthcare

Despite the troubling facts discussed throughout this article, it’s important to emphasize that not all online pharmacies are unethical. When administered correctly, tech-enabled pharmacies can be incredibly empowering.

They help us access care we may otherwise delay, simplify routine refills, and reduce both cost and stigma. Legitimate platforms are more cost- and time-efficient than traditional pharmacy experiences.

But when corners are cut—skipping medical oversight, using unregulated compounds, or selling data—it’s not just the system that suffers. It’s you.

So, while we absolutely encourage you to embrace digital healthcare, we want you to be well informed. Ask questions. Look for certifications. Know what a legitimate provider looks like.

And if something feels off? Trust your gut.

At TelyRx, we’ve built our entire model around transparency, clinical safety, and treating patients with dignity. We don’t offer flashy shortcuts. We offer smart, compliant, judgment-free care.

online pharmacy scam FAQs

is TelyRx a legitimate digital healthcare platform?

Yes. TelyRx is LegitScript-certified, uses only FDA-approved medications, complies with HIPAA and state regulations, and connects patients with licensed U.S. doctors for all prescription requests through our multiple pharmacy locations.

what is LegitScript?

LegitScript is a third-party verification service recognized by regulators, payment providers, and search engines. It confirms that a digital healthcare platform meets strict safety and legal standards.

why should I avoid compounded medications sold online?

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and may pose risks in dosing or purity. They’re often used by questionable operators to avoid regulation.

how can I verify if a pharmacy is licensed?

You can check state pharmacy board websites and look for LegitScript certification.

does TelyRx sell or share my data?

No. TelyRx is fully HIPAA-compliant and never sells or shares your health data with advertisers or outside vendors. We only collect the necessary health information required by the provider in relation to the prescription request; nothing more, nothing less.

why doesn’t TelyRx offer subscriptions?

We believe in giving patients control. Medications should fit your health needs, not a company’s recurring revenue model.

where does TelyRx source its medications?

All medications are sourced from licensed U.S.-based wholesalers and shipped from fully licensed pharmacies.

are online prescriptions safe?

With legitimate online pharmacies that follow proper protocols—like requiring real medical reviews, connecting patients with licensed U.S. providers, and dispensing FDA-approved medications from certified pharmacies—yes, they can be very safe.

what’s the difference between generic and brand-name meds I buy online?

Generic medications contain the same active ingredients and are equally effective as brand-name drugs, but they’re often more affordable. Generic medications are more affordable because multiple manufacturers are allowed to manufacture generic drugs, whereas brand name drugs can only be manufactured by a single entity. A legitimate telehealth platform will always tell you which version you’re getting, and both should be FDA-approved.

Disclaimer

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, consultation, or care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another licensed health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information read on this site. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

How to Spot Online Pharmacy Scams (and What Legit Digital Healthcare Platforms Look Like)

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