FDA warns of imposters sending consumers fake warning letters – Scammers are targeting consumers who have purchased medicines online (July 13, 2018 FDA news release)

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers about criminals forging FDA warning letters to target individuals who tried to purchase medicines online or over the phone.  Instead of receiving the medicines they paid for, consumers have received fake warning letters, generally addressed to a “Sir/Ma’am.”  The letters allege the order has been intercepted and threaten that “we are still investigating the root of this delivery & necessary legal steps will be taken if we found [sic] out any suspicious activity on your end.”

• In reality, FDA does not typically take action against individuals purchasing a medicine online.  FDA typically sends warning letters directly to companies and individuals involved in the manufacturing or distribution of FDA-regulated products.  It would be highly unusual for FDA to send any official communication to an individual consumer.

• FDA cautions of the risks of purchasing medicines from illegal online pharmacies.  Dangers include receiving counterfeit medicines or being the victim of scams such as the current one.  FDA advises that medicine can be purchased online safety by buying only from U.S.-licensed pharmacies that require a prescription.