Connect with us

Lifestyle

Over 5,000 Fraudulent Pharmacy Websites Target UK Consumers

Editorial

Published

on

A recent report reveals that over 5,000 fraudulent pharmacy websites are currently operating in the UK, promoting mislabelled and potentially dangerous substances, including pesticides and animal tranquilizers. According to Avast, a cyber safety brand under Gen, the company has thwarted more than one million cyber attacks from these deceptive sites in 2025 alone.

Many of the fraudulent sites, such as mydiscountpills.eu and 77pharmacy, are designed to resemble legitimate online pharmacies with polished layouts and misleading customer service information. These sites often create detailed product pages that can trick unsuspecting consumers. The report underscores the risks associated with these websites, including financial loss and compromised personal data, as cybercriminals leverage artificial intelligence to generate convincing imitations.

The operations, dubbed ‘PharmaFraud’, employ various tactics, such as injecting malicious code into legitimate medical websites and manipulating search engine results to appear at the top. They also utilize AI-generated health blogs and fake reviews to enhance their credibility. Siggi Stefnisson, Chief Technology Officer at Avast, emphasized the evolving nature of cyber threats, stating, “Cyber threats are now smarter, faster, and more personal. PharmaFraud is a perfect example of how cybercriminals think—they want to prey on people who are vulnerable, feeling desperate, or generally in need.”

According to the report, these fake pharmacies primarily target individuals seeking to maintain privacy while purchasing products related to sexual health, hormone therapy, or erectile dysfunction. Additionally, they appeal to those looking for rapid solutions through weight loss medications or affordable alternatives. Buyers may receive counterfeit drugs lacking active ingredients or, in the worst cases, products containing harmful substances like heavy metals or contaminated stock.

Laura Wilson, Director at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, warns about the dangers of these illegal operations. “These medicines may be out of date, substandard or contain dangerous substances. Websites that offer prescription-only medicines without a prescription are acting illegally,” she stated. Wilson recommends consumers only use online pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. She advises verifying that the pharmacy has a genuine UK address, a contact number, and the official registered pharmacy logo linked to the regulator’s website.

The report also highlights common tactics employed by scammers, including hijacking legitimate sites and using AI to fabricate health blogs and five-star reviews. Payments are often processed through cryptocurrency or unsecured checkout forms, further complicating the security landscape for consumers.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers are encouraged to only use UK-registered pharmacies and to look for the official pharmacy logo on websites. Legitimate pharmacies will also require a prescription for any medication. Awareness and vigilance remain crucial in protecting oneself from the growing threat of online pharmaceutical fraud.

Our Editorial team doesn’t just report the news—we live it. Backed by years of frontline experience, we hunt down the facts, verify them to the letter, and deliver the stories that shape our world. Fueled by integrity and a keen eye for nuance, we tackle politics, culture, and technology with incisive analysis. When the headlines change by the minute, you can count on us to cut through the noise and serve you clarity on a silver platter.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website offers general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information provided. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult relevant experts when necessary. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of the information on this site.