Cpl. Angela Hawryluk says it can be down-right dangerous.
The RCMP are reminding older adults of the following tips to protect themselves from falling victim to a fraud when ordering medication or health care products on line:
- Does the price reasonably reflect the value or is it "too good to be true"?
- Is the packaging properly labeled?
- Are there spelling mistakes and is the wrapping material of poor quality?
- Are you familiar with the place of purchase?
- Are you shopping on a reputable retail site?
- Does the quality of the product seem acceptable?
There are legitimate online pharmacies. However, there are also numerous fraudulent ones that may sell medications illegally or do not follow proper procedures for filling out a prescription. Seniors are advised not to buy from an online pharmacy that offers to prescribe a medication for the first time without a physical exam or if it sells a prescription medication without a prescription from your doctor.
As with all on line services it is important to take the time to become informed and aware of possible scams and fraudulent companies.
Valerie White of the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors says seniors can be targeted as vulnerable consumers, however with some research, on line use can be done in a safe manner.
