FDA says 97% of online pharmacies are fake, pandemic increases these drug scams
A warning from the FDA says that 97% of drugs sold online are fake or not approved by the government. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, online buying of medication has skyrocketed.
Posted — Updated"Highly sophisticated criminal enterprises are utilizing malware, engaging in identity theft, and selling medicine that does not work, or worse, is dangerous to your health," the FDA warning says.
The websites can often offer consumers medication without proper labeling, give people medication without a prescription and not give them directions on how to safely use the drug.
Some drugs have FDA warnings that are required to be put on the label before someone takes them. These rogue pharmacies operating outside of government regulation might not be putting these warnings on the medication. Consumers buying from online pharmacies might not know about the serious health risks associated with the drug as a result.
Some of the online pharmacies have websites that seem legit, and names that are convincing -- like RxPartners and Discount Online Pharmacy.
North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall warned the public about this issue on Tuesday.
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