Counterfeit / 'Cheap Meds' Online Pharmacy
A rogue online 'pharmacy' offers cheap prescription drugs with no prescription — sending counterfeit, contaminated, or no medication while stealing your money and data.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Rogue websites and social ads sell prescription medications at deep discounts, often with 'no prescription needed.' They take your payment and personal/health data and ship counterfeit, substandard, contaminated, or no product — a real danger to your health as well as your wallet. They may also enroll your card in recurring charges. Legitimate pharmacies require a valid prescription and are verifiable; 'no Rx, huge discount' is a red flag.
What it usually looks like
- Prescription drugs sold cheap with 'no prescription needed.'
- A pharmacy site with no verifiable license.
- Payment by card or crypto to an unknown site.
- Ads promising big savings on medications.
Common warning signs
- No prescription required for prescription drugs.
- Prices far below normal.
- No verifiable pharmacy license or US address.
- Crypto or odd payment options.
Example wording scammers use
“Get your medications 80% off — no prescription required, discreet shipping!”
“Order brand-name meds cheap; pay by card or crypto.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Your payment for fake/harmful products.
- Your health and card data.
- Recurring charges.
This is general safety information, not professional advice. It is not legal, financial, medical, or immigration advice, and it does not create a professional relationship. For your own situation, speak with a qualified professional or the official organisation involved. If you are in immediate danger, contact your local emergency number.
What to do
- Use only licensed pharmacies that require a valid prescription (check the NABP's verification).
- Never buy prescription drugs from 'no Rx' sites.
- Distrust deep discounts on medications.
- Talk to your doctor/pharmacist about affordable options.
What to do if you already responded
- Stop taking any product received and consult your doctor/pharmacist.
- Dispute charges and watch for recurring billing.
- Report to the FDA (BadAd/MedWatch) and reportfraud.ftc.gov.