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Risk: Elevated

Prescription-only medications without a prescription? Beware of fake pharmacies!

Category: Consumer warnings · Published: 13/07/2026 · Last updated: 22/07/2026

Summary

What is this about? Current fraud case reported by Watchlist Internet. See linked source for details.
Who is affected? Consumers in Germany.
How high is the risk? Elevated

Why is this warning issued?

This warning has been included because it is based on a report from Watchlist Internet. It is intended to protect other users from this scam. The assessed risk is elevated.

How the scam works

  • You search online for a medication and come across a seemingly legitimate pharmacy website with an Austrian city name.
  • The site advertises strikingly low prices and promises fast shipping – entirely without a prescription.
  • You select a product and proceed to checkout, where credit card payment is offered as the only payment option.
  • You enter your credit card details and complete the order.
  • In most cases, nothing happens afterwards: no goods arrive, and contacting them by phone or email is hardly possible.
  • If, contrary to expectations, a package does arrive, its contents and origin are unclear – there is a risk of harmful preparations.

How to recognise it

  • Prescription-only medications are sold without a prescription
  • The website lacks an imprint
  • The alleged Austrian locations have phone numbers with a UK country code (+44)
  • Prices are well below the usual level (e.g., a four-pack of Viagra from 18.39 euros instead of 40–50 euros)
  • There is no link to the responsible medicines authority and no security logo for legal mail-order sales
  • Although the shop displays eight payment methods, only credit card payment is available at checkout
  • The expert texts appear artificially generated and repeat themselves across pages
  • Prize without participation or a 'free' offer requiring data submission

How to protect yourself

  • Leave the site immediately if no prescription is required for prescription-only medications.
  • Before ordering, check the imprint, security logo, and link to the medicines authority – if any are missing, stay away.
  • If you have already ordered, contact your credit card provider immediately, explain the situation, and discuss a possible card block.
  • Keep all records: order confirmation, screenshots of the site, payment proofs.
  • Do not take any medication that arrives unexpectedly – its origin and composition are unknown.
  • Report the incident to your consumer advice center and, if applicable, to the police.

What you should never do

  • Do not pay any demand without checking it just because you paid by credit card – first verify the provider's legitimacy.
  • Do not take any preparation from an unverified delivery, even if the packaging looks trustworthy.
  • Do not ignore missing information such as an imprint, security logo, or the absence of a link to the supervisory authority.
  • Do not rely solely on extremely low prices or reviews displayed on the site itself.
  • Do not disclose any further personal data if you are contacted by phone or email.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay for the order even if I have not received anything?

If you have ordered from an untrustworthy site, the rule is: do not simply pay. First contact your credit card provider and explain the situation. Whether the payment can be reversed is something the experts at the service hotline can clarify.

What happens if I have fallen for the fake pharmacy and nothing was delivered?

In most cases, no delivery arrives. It is important that you immediately inform your credit card provider, have the card blocked, secure all records, and report the incident to your consumer advice center or the police.

How did the fraudsters obtain my data?

This often cannot be determined precisely in individual cases. Data leaks, stolen databases, or simply filling out an order form on a fake site can be reasons. What is certain is that you actively provided this data to an untrustworthy site.

Are online pharmacies fundamentally prohibited?

No, legitimate online pharmacies are permitted. However, prescription-only medications may not generally be sold by mail order in Austria – therefore, the mere offering of such products on these fake portals is legally problematic regardless of any delivery.

I have received a medication from a dubious order – may I take it?

No, we strongly advise against it. The origin, ingredients, and dosage of such preparations are unclear. There may be serious health risks. Consult your doctor or pharmacist and inform the responsible authority.

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Original source

Find more information in the original source.

Watchlist Internet ↗

Update history

  • 22/07/2026Description updated
  • 13/07/2026Warning added from an official source