With the rise of online pharmacies, buying drugs online has become increasingly popular. However, it’s important to ensure that you’re doing it safely and securely. Here are some steps to follow:
Users need a stable internet connection, and must download specific browsers and buy cryptocurrency to be able to purchase on the dark web (Norbutas, 2018; Norbutas et al., 2020). Thus, it is predicable that the relatively affluent are more likely to use online drug markets. Our data reveals a robust drug market and innovative adaptations to the new challenges posed to it by the pandemic, but our data suggests it took drug buyers time to adapt to these changing market forces. It was not until the Fall of 2021 that we see a significant increase in online purchases.
1. Check the Pharmacy’s Credentials
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Before making a purchase, check if the online pharmacy is legitimate. Look for accreditation logos from organizations such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. These logos indicate that the pharmacy has been reviewed and meets certain standards.
2. Verify the Medication
Drugs On The Dark Web = A Dangerous Threat To Teenagers
Make sure that the medication you’re purchasing is what it claims to be. Check the drug’s active ingredient, dosage, and manufacturer. If possible, compare the information with that of a reputable pharmacy or healthcare provider.
3. Look for Secure Payment Options
- Banking, hiring, retail shopping, and even business conferences are routinely conducted on the internet.
- A simple Internet search will turn up hundreds of websites that sell drugs.
- Buying medications from these illegal online pharmacies is very dangerous.
- Beyond this, law enforcement agencies can use the dark web for data tracking purposes.
- When governmental drug policy is restrictive, black markets will organically expand to meet a demand, unfortunately creating opportunities for unregulated manufacture and distribution.
Ensure that the website offers secure payment options, such as credit cards or PayPal. Avoid wire transfers or other forms of payment that can’t be traced or reversed.
The perpetrators were making phone calls pretending to be FDA agents, threatening prosecution and seeking bribes. You can protect yourself and your family by being cautious when buying medicine online. Some pharmacy websites operate legally and offer convenience, privacy, cost savings and safeguards for purchasing medicines. The ED drugs and herbal remedies you buy on the internet aren’t always what they seem. An FDA investigation found that more than one-third of “dietary supplements” sold for ED actually contained prescription drugs, including sildenafil, the medicine in Viagra. Illegitimate drug sellers do not tell you that it’s dangerous to take a prescription drug without being assessed and monitored by a health care provider.
4. Check the Privacy Policy
Review the pharmacy’s privacy policy to ensure that your personal and medical information will be kept confidential. Be wary of any pharmacy that sells your information to third parties.
For instance, Grindr – self-described as the world’s largest social networking app for LGBTQ+ people – saw more online drug sales than the other two investigated apps, Scruff and Taimi. But it’s the illicit trade in drugs that remains one of the most successful markets on the dark web. The first major illicit online drug marketplace, Silk Road, was launched in 2011. At the time of its closure by United States (US) law enforcement in 2013, the site had generated around $15 million in transactions yearly. Since then, several other drug marketplaces have replaced it, including Dream Market, White House Market, Cannazon and Dark Fox Market.
Buying Safely Online
5. Read Reviews
Look for reviews from other customers to get an idea of the pharmacy’s reputation and reliability. However, be cautious of fake reviews or those that seem overly positive.
FAQs
Is it legal to buy drugs online?
In many cases, yes. However, it’s important to ensure that the online pharmacy is legitimate and that the medication is legal in your location. Some drugs, such as controlled substances, may require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
The market is so huge, in fact, that online drug sales average at about $300,000 – $500,000 per day, meaning that thousands of people are purchasing illegal substances through the internet on a regular basis. These are people that do not have a supplier or personal drug connections (likely a result of their young age), that may not have a prescription, or simply do not want to meet a drug dealer in person. The internet allows teens to buy drugs easily and receive them efficiently, without ever having to encounter the dangers a person would through a face-to-face sale. Currently, the literature lacks studies using national datasets and our study aims to fill this gap by investigating buying drugs online from a cross-national perspective.
How can I tell if an online pharmacy is legitimate?
Look for accreditation logos from organizations such as the NABP or VIPPS program. These logos indicate that the pharmacy has been reviewed and meets certain standards. Additionally, check for secure payment options, a clear privacy policy, and positive reviews from other customers.
Is it safe to buy drugs online?
When done correctly, buying drugs online can be safe. However, it’s important to follow the steps outlined above to ensure that you’re purchasing from a legitimate pharmacy and that the medication is safe and effective.
Can I get a prescription online?
In some cases, yes. Some online pharmacies offer telemedicine services, where you can consult with a licensed healthcare provider and receive a prescription if appropriate. However, it’s important to ensure that the healthcare provider is licensed and that the prescription is legal in your location.