The Health Products Regulatory Authority has issued a warning about a recent surge in online advertisements promoting dangerous fake or unauthorised medicines, with scammers fraudulently using the HPRA’s own logo to mislead consumers.
The regulatory authority says fraudulent advertisers are falsely claiming their unapproved products are “endorsed by the HPRA,” using the health watchdog’s official branding to lend credibility to potentially dangerous medicines and health products.
The HPRA has identified this as part of a broader international pattern, noting that similar regulatory bodies around the world have been targeted in comparable schemes in recent weeks. This suggests a coordinated effort by fraudulent advertisers to exploit the credibility of official health authorities.
The warning highlights growing concerns about online medicine fraud, where unscrupulous operators market products that may be ineffective, contaminated, or potentially harmful to consumers seeking legitimate healthcare solutions.
The use of official logos and false endorsements represents a particularly concerning escalation in these fraudulent practices, as it directly exploits public trust in Ireland’s pharmaceutical regulatory system. The HPRA’s endorsement carries significant weight with consumers, making the unauthorized use of its branding especially dangerous for public health.
Irish consumers are advised to be extremely cautious when encountering online medicine advertisements, particularly those claiming official endorsement from the HPRA or other regulatory authorities. Legitimate medicines and health products undergo rigorous approval processes and are clearly identified through official channels.
The authority emphasizes that it does not endorse specific commercial products through online advertising, and any claims to the contrary should be treated as fraudulent. Consumers seeking approved medicines should consult healthcare professionals and use licensed pharmacies and suppliers.
This latest warning adds to ongoing concerns about the safety of online medicine purchases, where consumers risk receiving counterfeit, contaminated, or completely ineffective products that could compromise their health or delay necessary medical treatment.