Over the past year, experts say the fake online pharmacy phenomenon has surged, with fraudulent sites posing as legitimate drug retailers rising at a rapid pace. A rising number of such storefronts are increasingly aggressive in their online presence, often mimicking trusted pharmacy brands to lure buyers. The claim comes from industry observers and was reported in Izvestia.
Statistics show a sharp uptick: only 14 dubious sources were recorded in the first half of 2021, but by the start of this year the total had grown to 32. The pattern appears consistent across markets, with scammers expanding their capacity to appear at the top of search results, leveraging paid advertising and search engine optimization to outrank real pharmacies.
In practical terms, this means ordinary users are more likely to encounter these frauds even when they search for legitimate pharmacies. The deceptive sites can replicate the layout and code of real networks or operate independently, selling drugs that may be unsafe or counterfeit.
Purchases follow a familiar script: after placing an order and completing payment, buyers never receive the goods, and the supposed pharmacies sever contact. The scam relies on short-term gains and the abrupt disappearance of the operator once payment clears.
Experts in the drug market connect the rise of fraud to a surge in demand for medications that occurred earlier, alongside growing consumer comfort with online drug purchases. The online pharmacy channel has become increasingly popular, driven by convenience and perceived prices, even as risks grow.
Victoria Presnyakova, head of the Alliance of Pharmaceutical Associations, notes that in monetary terms, pharmacy sales grew significantly in the first quarter of the current year compared with the same period in 2021. She adds that demand for drugs online is higher than offline, underscoring the shift in consumer behavior and the importance of trustworthy sources. (Source: Alliance of Pharmaceutical Associations)
Earlier reporting from law enforcement highlighted a network of pharmacies and hospitals selling discarded cancer and AIDS drugs, illustrating how vulnerable supply chains can be exploited by illicit operators. (Source: Public safety reports)