A new campaign has been launched this June to warn North Wales residents about the dangers of buying medicines online.

Get Safe Online are in partnership with North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin and North Wales Police’s Economic Crime Unit.

The initiative seeks to inform residents on the dangers linked with online medication purchases.

Tony Neate, CEO at Get Safe Online said, "Many websites selling such products are perfectly legitimate, but you should always be careful to make sure that this is the case for ones you’re using, and also that what you’re buying is not only suitable for your needs, but safe to use as well."

Possible risks, according to Mr Neate, could include using incompatible medicines, encountering fake products with harmful ingredients, and susceptibility to fraud affecting personal information, payment cards and device security.

He said, "Our campaign launching today seeks to provide advice for residents of North Wales, on how to buy medicines safely online."

DC Rachel Roberts, financial abuse safeguarding officer in North Wales Police’s economic crime unit, advised residents on the lack of health benefits associated with online-bought remedies.

Ms Roberts also warned: "In some cases, victims have also inadvertently signed up to a monthly subscription that is not made clear at the time of purchase."

Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, reminded residents that health is wealth.

Mr Dunbobbin said: "Don’t let concern for your health impact your wealth by falling prey to financial scams and economic fraud by unscrupulous criminals online.

"I’d advise everyone to read the tips on avoiding unsuitable items."

Essential tips shared for safely buying online medicines include verifying websites as UK-based and registered by the General Pharmaceutical Council, consulting a medical professional or registered pharmacist, avoiding self-diagnoses, and checking the authenticity of over-the-counter drugs websites and product reviews.

Further advice on safe online purchases and services can be found at www.getsafeonline.org and the North Wales Police's website at www.northwales.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud.