Lifestyle
Over 5,000 Fraudulent Pharmacy Websites Target UK Consumers

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 “These medicines may be out of date, substandard or contain dangerous substances.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.
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Kim Cattrall Posts Cryptic Message After HBO’s Sequel Cancellation
-
Entertainment1 month ago
Speculation Surrounds Home and Away as Cast Departures Mount
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Las Culturistas Awards Shine with Iconic Moments and Star Power
-
Entertainment2 weeks ago
Markiplier Addresses AI Controversy During Livestream Response
-
Politics1 month ago
Plane Crash at Southend Airport Claims Four Lives After Takeoff
-
Lifestyle3 weeks ago
Tesco Slashes Prices on Viral Dresses in Summer Clearance Sale
-
Science3 weeks ago
Astronomers Unveil New Long-Period Radio Transient ASKAP J1448−6856
-
Health2 weeks ago
Wakefield’s Top 13 GP Practices Revealed in 2025 Patient Survey
-
Sports2 weeks ago
Community Pays Tribute as Footballer Aaron Moffett Dies at 38
-
Top Stories1 month ago
Australian Man Arrested for Alleged Damage to Stone of Destiny
-
Sports1 month ago
Sheffield United’s Young Talent Embraces Championship Opportunity
-
Business1 month ago
New Study Links Economic Inequality to Lower Well-Being Globally