Over 5,000 Fraudulent Pharmacy Websites Target UK Consumers

A recent report has identified over 5,000 fraudulent pharmacy websites operating in the UK, posing significant risks to consumers. These sites are known for selling mislabelled and potentially toxic substances, including pesticides and animal tranquilizers. According to Avast, a cyber safety brand under Gen, the company has blocked more than one million attacks from these malicious websites in 2025 alone.

Many of these fraudulent websites, such as mydiscountpills.eu and 77pharmacy, closely resemble legitimate pharmacies, featuring polished layouts, fabricated customer service information, and detailed product pages designed to deceive consumers. The report highlights that individuals attempting to purchase medications online face the risk of losing their money, personal information, or worse. Cybercriminals are increasingly employing artificial intelligence to generate realistic-looking sites, which can deliver counterfeit products with forged labels and fake expiration dates for medications like Ozempic and Viagra.

Cybercriminal Tactics and Risks

The fraudulent operations, dubbed ‘PharmaFraud’, utilize various tactics to attract unsuspecting consumers. These include injecting malicious code into legitimate medical websites, manipulating search engine results, and deploying AI-generated health blogs and fake reviews. Siggi Stefnisson, Chief Technology Officer for 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.”

The report indicates that these fake pharmacies predominantly target individuals seeking privacy for products related to sexual health, hormone therapy, and erectile dysfunction. Additionally, they appeal to consumers looking for quick weight loss solutions or affordable alternatives to legitimate medications. At best, buyers may receive counterfeit drugs with no active ingredients; at worst, these products could contain dangerous substances like heavy metals or contaminated stock.

Expert Advice on Identifying Legitimate Pharmacies

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has issued warnings regarding the dangers posed by these illegal pharmacies. Laura Wilson, a director at the society, stated, “These medicines may be out of date, substandard or contain dangerous substances. Websites that offer prescription-only medicines without a prescription are acting illegally.”

To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumers are urged to use only online pharmacies registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council. It is essential to verify that an online pharmacy has a legitimate UK address, a contact number, and the official registered pharmacy logo linking to the regulator’s website.

The report discusses several common tricks employed by scammers, such as hijacking legitimate websites, manipulating search engine algorithms, and using AI to produce health-related content and customer reviews. Furthermore, these fraudulent sites often accept payments through cryptocurrencies and unsecured checkout forms, increasing the risk for consumers.

Recommended precautions include using only UK-registered pharmacies, ensuring the presence of the official pharmacy logo, and verifying the availability of genuine customer service information. Legitimate sites will also require a prescription for any medication, a crucial aspect consumers should always prioritize in their online purchases.

The rise of fraudulent pharmacy websites serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and awareness in the digital age. As cybercriminal tactics become more sophisticated, consumers must remain informed and cautious to protect their health and financial security.