We’ve written previously about online pharmacy scams that include the use of fake seals from organizations like PharmacyChecker.com, VIPPS and the CIPA.

I came across a case this week where someone was tempted by this ruse. From a Q&A column in a Florida newspaper:

“For months I’ve been getting online pharmacy e-mails and am skeptical about their legitimacy. Claim to be U.S.-based store, no prescription needed. Even lists codeine and OxyContin as well as Viagra. It’s tempting but am very leery of an illegal scam.” — Ted P., Port Charlotte.

Ted’s e-mail solicitation was short and direct: “You can buy any meds you need! Forget about prescriptions and doctors. Save your money now! Go visit http://pillzcctop.com.”

The site — US Healthcare Inc. — claims, “We care about your health.” Displayed at the bottom are both the Better Business Bureau logo and the PharmacyChecker.com seal. The latter indicates that a Web site markets prescription drugs dispensed from a pharmacy in good standing. There’s no phone number or address for US Healthcare.

Not only does it offer the painkiller OxyContin, but the depressants Valium and Xanax as well as the stimulant Ritalin. All are among the most commonly abused prescription drugs, according to the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse.

William Raggio with PharmacyChecker.com confirmed the seal on the site is an invalid image and that the company has never even applied for qualification. Karen Nalvin at the BBB West Florida confirmed its logo was a fake since it didn’t link to the BBB when clicked.

It’s the easiest thing in the world for a rogue pharmacy to grab a PharmacyChecker, VIPPs, CIPA or BBB seal from a legitimate Web site and then place it on their own. It literally takes just a few clicks of the mouse. The wonders of Web technology, right?

The good news is, it’s not too difficult to check to make sure a seal is being used legitimately. These verification authorities generally have lists of all authorized pharmacies on their sites, and if they don’t, they will respond to your call or e-mail.

Of course, as a member of our site, you don’t have to worry about this — because we do this background check for you. We guarantee that all pharmacies in our network have been approved by PharmacyChecker.com and other verification authorities, and that all are licensed and accredited in their home countries.