Blog Articles
LegitScript Study Shows Widespread Problems and Potential Dangers in Online CBD Market
October 21, 2019
Over the past six months, LegitScript’s analysts and policy experts have been conducting a research project to better understand the online CBD landscape. We’ve looked at the state of compliance, the safety and accuracy of products, and issues around payment processing. What we found in this landmark report is nothing short of disturbing for both…
サプリメントや医薬品の個人輸入で健康被害を受けた方からの声を募集します
October 4, 2019
by Hiromi
レジットスクリプトは以前から、個人輸入として販売されている医薬品やサプリメントについての危険性を訴えています。厚労省も同様に注意喚起を行なっています。
E-money: A Case Study of Human Trafficking (Part 2)
September 23, 2019
In Part 1 of our series, we discussed electronic money and the rules that have allowed e-money institutions to flourish in the European Union with less regulations than banks. This week, we look at an example of how these European businesses have real and widespread influence on criminal operations in the US. A Haven for…
E-money: How Payment Complexity in Europe Facilitates Cybercrime in the US (Part 1)
September 19, 2019
Although electronic money has been around for decades, advancements in technology and new ways of processing payments are making it easier than ever to digitally store, send, and receive money. On the backend, however, e-money processing can be surprisingly complex, as transactions often pass through multiple entities to get from sender to receiver. It’s this…
Why Are Supplement Ingredient Names So Confusing?
September 6, 2019
Have you ever heard of 1-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-6,7-diol or 4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]phenol? Probably not. How about higenamine or hordenine? That may be more likely, but did you know that 1-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-6,7-diol and higenamine are actually the same ingredient? The same is true for 4-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]phenol and hordenine. Ingredient names can be confusing because manufacturers don’t always follow guidelines set by the…
More Than Half of Online Drug Sellers Are Operating Illegally with Respect to Chinese Law and Regulation, New LegitScript and ASOP Global Study Finds
August 15, 2019
A new report on the Chinese internet pharmacy market by ASOP Global and LegitScript finds that most online drug sellers are operating illegally, and that a noteworthy percentage are illegally offering prescription drugs or controlled substances. The report, titled “The Chinese Internet Pharmacy Market Threat Assessment,” includes new information about the situation in China related…
Addiction Treatment Certification One Year In: Why It’s More Important Than Ever
August 13, 2019
by David Khalaf
LegitScript recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of the launch of our Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment Certification program, and our certification team reflected on both the lessons and accomplishments of this monumental program. As a member of the customer success team, I see firsthand the value our customers get out of certification. But more importantly,…
Seizures Related to Vaping Highlight Risk of E-cigarette Merchants
August 8, 2019
The FDA said this week that it is investigating 127 incidents of people suffering from seizures after vaping. The news highlights the elevated risk e-cigarette products pose for legal violations, and why payment service providers should know about the many types of products and parts related to vaping to better monitor their portfolios. The FDA’s…
The Top Marketing Claims CBD Merchants and Manufacturers Should Avoid
July 11, 2019
by David Khalaf
One of the aspects of cannabidiol (CBD) sales that can attract regulatory scrutiny is the way in which merchants market their CBD products. In the past five years, the FDA has sent many warning letters to manufacturers and merchants of CBD products for claims that their products can prevent, cure, mitigate, or treat diseases. No…
LegitScript Announces New CBD Certification Program
June 27, 2019
We’re happy to announce a new certification program for legally compliant CBD products and websites. Starting today, US manufacturers and merchants can apply through LegitScript to certify CBD products and websites that are in compliance with USDA, FDA, FTC, and DEA regulations, as well as state-specific laws. LegitScript is the global leader in merchant and…
LegitScript Revises Pricing of Addiction Treatment Certification to Reflect Expanded Benefits and to Help Nonprofits Facing Hardship
June 27, 2019
by David Khalaf
Starting in July, drug and alcohol addiction treatment providers that are certified by LegitScript will see revised pricing that reflects expanded benefits and takes into consideration a new initiative to help certify nonprofit addiction treatment providers facing hardship. These changes reflect the improved experience of addiction treatment providers who are currently certified, and help level…
The Rising Threat of Unwashed Poppy Seeds
June 18, 2019
As e-commerce platforms, payment service providers, and regulatory agencies crack down on illicit opioid sales on the internet, many consumers are turning to alternative products, either to replicate the effects of opioids or to aid in opioid withdrawal. Many of these products, however, are unregulated, illegal, and potentially dangerous. LegitScript analysts have recently identified a…
Will CVS’ New Policy Flood the Online Space with Bad Supplements?
May 31, 2019
by David Khalaf
CVS announced in May a new policy that requires all vitamins and dietary supplements in the store to be third-party tested for safety and label accuracy. The “Tested to Be Trusted” program is an innovative initiative to weed out problematic supplements, but will it create new problems for e-commerce platforms and payment service providers operating…
Today’s Multilevel Marketing: New Look, Same Risk for Payment Service Providers
May 9, 2019
Today’s multilevel marketing (MLM) organizations look nothing like the Amway and Herbalife of the past. Cosmetics and nutritional supplements may still dominate the industry, but companies have expanded into product lines of every sort: essential oils, kitchen gadgets, yoga pants, software, consulting, and pretty much anything else you can imagine. This product expansion, combined with…
What the Blackstone Labs Indictment Means for Payment Service Providers
April 3, 2019
by David Khalaf
Last month, six people associated with Blackstone Labs were charged in an indictment to market and sell illegal dietary supplements for use in bodybuilding and weight loss. The indictment is significant because of the size and reach of Blackstone Labs, and because of the way it is alleged to have deceptively labeled products for years….