Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the Nova Scotia RCMP remind seniors and their care givers of the potential dangers when purchasing medication and health care products on line.

“Purchasing medication and health-care products on the internet can be very dangerous,” says Cpl. Angie Hawryluk, RCMP Federal Enforcement Section. “Often times the medication is fake and has not been manufactured properly so it can cause unwanted side effects.”

The RCMP are reminding older adults of the following tips to protect themselves from falling victim to a fraud when ordering medication or health care products on line:

– Does the price reasonably reflect the value or is it “too good to be true”?

– Is the packaging properly labeled?
– Are there spelling mistakes and is the wrapping material of poor quality?
– Are you familiar with the place of purchase?
– Are you shopping on a reputable retail site?
– Does the quality of the product seem acceptable?

There are legitimate online pharmacies; however there are also numerous fraudulent online pharmacies that may sell medications illegally or do not follow proper procedures for filling out a prescription. Seniors are advised not to buy from an online pharmacy that offers to prescribe a medication for the first time without a physical exam or if it sells a prescription medication without a prescription from your doctor.

As with all on line services it is important to take the time to become informed and aware of possible scams and fraudulent companies. Seniors can be targeted as vulnerable consumers, however with some research on line use can be done in a safe manner. said Valerie White, CEO, Nova Scotia Department of Seniors.

The RCMP is committed to educating citizens on the causes and dangers of elder abuse. For additional information please contact www.seniors.gc.ca, www.gov.ns.ca/seniors or phone the Nova Scotia Senior Abuse Information Line: 1- 877-833- 3377 .

 

Source: http://www.bedfordbeacon.com/purchasing-medication-health-care-products-on-line