The Government says it is freezing the cost of prescriptions to help keep them affordable – as a pharmacists call for more action to protect patients
Pharmacist Sara Moslem at work in her Exeter branchAuthor: Andrew Kay Published 16th Apr 2026
A Devon pharmacist has told us she’s worried about the rise of things like counterfeit weight-loss jabs, being sold online.
It as new figures from the National Pharmacy Association say one in 10 pharmacies have had their website or social media accounts cloned – and called for Government action.
Sara Moslem, who oversees Exeter’s St Thomas’ branch on Cowick Street, said: “I’ve definitely heard of people buying weight loss jabs online and then them turning out to be dodgy or not authentic, which is really dangerous.”
The pharmacist, who also works as a locum at sites right across the county, is urging anyone who spots a ‘supposed deal’ online to be cautious, adding: “I’ve had people coming in showing me prices on websites and I’ve looked at the website and thought that’s not a site I would buy a vaccine from.”
She says often customers show her links to sites that she has never heard of. “The prices for some of these, especially weightless jabs, are really expensive as that’s what suppliers are charging,” she explained.
“They are never going to be cheap, and you are never going to get a real big discount off them in an authentic way, as they are expensive.
“It is important for people to come to a community pharmacy and speak to us and get advice. We’ve had people come who’ve switched back to community pharmacy from online as it’s more personable.”
James Murray MP, chief secretary to the treasury, today met staff at the Exeter pharmacy to highlight a Government pledge to keep the cost of prescriptions on hold.
He said: “It’s really concerning when anyone gets scammed and particularly in the online world.
“It can be easier to get scammed now, compared to how it has been in the past, and people need to be vigilant and sometimes it can be easy to fall into a trap.”
He added: “We also want to make sure that when customers come in here if they have to pay for their prescriptions then they can afford it. That’s why we have frozen prescriptions charges this year at £9.90 rather than going up this year to above £10.”
The National Pharmacy Association says it’s now so worried about the rise in both pharmacies being impersonated online – and counterfeit items – it’s written to the Government asking for better protection for patients.
Earlier today the Government’s summoned social media bosses to Downing Street to talk about online safety for children. The National Pharmacy Association is also warning that when businesses contact social media firms 92 per cent described the response they got as ‘unsatisfactory’.
Sehar Shahid, National Pharmacy Association board member, said: “I know first hand how distressing it is to see criminals posing as regulated pharmacists to try and trick patients into buying counterfeit medicines.
“Medicines from unregulated providers may be faked, swapped for an alternative medicine or not meet the strict regulatory standards we have in the UK.
“Patients should be wary of any provider that is offering medicines at a price that is too good to be true and are not offering any consultations before prescribing.
“Social media companies have been asleep at the wheel and have not done enough to prevent a booming market for counterfeit medicines to flourish on their platforms.
“Although the MHRA works hard, their efforts are a drop in the ocean to tackle what is fast becoming a sophisticated criminal enterprise.
“We need tougher enforcement action and the government should put stronger safeguards in place to help patients clearly identify regulated providers online.”