‍In late 2012, the Federal Drug Administration announced that 97% of online pharmacies violated state or federal laws and/or safety and practice standards set by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Medications sold by fake pharmacies may be fake, expired, contaminated, not approved by the FDA,  or unsafe.

Here are some warning signs that may mean an online pharmacy is fake:

• Allows you to buy medications without a prescription.
• Offers prices that are too good to be true.
• Sends spam emails offering discount prices.
• Is located outside the US.
• Is not licensed in the US

Real pharmacies are licensed by the state where they are located. They should provide a physical address and phone number, where you can reach a pharmacist who can answer your questions.

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