Dec 6, 2024 at 1:06 AM#1
After years in this community and watching dozens of scams unfold, I've compiled the definitive red flags checklist. Pin this, save this, share this. If a vendor hits 3 or more of these, walk away.
PRICING RED FLAGS:
- [ ] Price significantly below market rate (semaglutide 5mg under $30, tirzepatide 10mg under $40)
- [ ] Discounts specifically for non-reversible payments (Zelle, CashApp, crypto)
- [ ] "Flash sales" or extreme urgency ("only 3 left!", "price doubles tomorrow!")
- [ ] Free shipping on orders that require cold chain ($15-20 is normal for cold shipping)
PAYMENT RED FLAGS:
- [ ] Only accepts Zelle, Venmo, CashApp, or cryptocurrency
- [ ] No credit card option at all
- [ ] Payment to a personal account rather than business account
- [ ] Requests payment via DM rather than through a checkout system
WEBSITE/COMMUNICATION RED FLAGS:
- [ ] Domain registered less than 6 months ago (check on whois.com)
- [ ] No verifiable business address or phone number
- [ ] "About Us" page is vague or uses stock photos
- [ ] Customer service only through Telegram, WhatsApp, or Instagram DM
- [ ] No terms of service or refund policy
- [ ] Website template looks identical to a known blacklisted vendor
PRODUCT RED FLAGS:
- [ ] Claims products are "FDA approved" (compounded peptides are not)
- [ ] No third-party COAs, or COAs that can't be verified
- [ ] COA lab name doesn't exist or can't be found online
- [ ] COA batch numbers don't match vial labels
- [ ] No information about storage/shipping temperature requirements
- [ ] Claims of impossibly high purity (>99.9% for peptides is suspicious)
SOCIAL PROOF RED FLAGS:
- [ ] Reviews only on their own website (no independent reviews)
- [ ] Reddit accounts promoting them are new with no other post history
- [ ] Before/after photos that reverse image search to other sources
- [ ] "Testimonials" with stock photo avatars
BEHAVIOR RED FLAGS:
- [ ] Aggressive response to negative reviews or questions
- [ ] Threatens legal action against critics
- [ ] Offers suspiciously generous "make good" deals after complaints
- [ ] Disappears for days then returns with excuses
10 5maya_sedona, stefan_berlin, Dr.EM_Chicago and 7 others
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Dec 6, 2024 at 1:22 AM#2
This is gold. Saving and sharing immediately.
Looking back at my near-miss with an Instagram seller last month, they hit literally 11 of these red flags. I was just too excited about the low price to see it clearly.
Can I suggest adding one more? "Vendor reaches out to YOU first via DM." I've had three different accounts message me on Reddit after I posted in GLP-1 subreddits. All turned out to be scams.
Last edited: Dec 6, 2024 at 3:22 AM
9 4hannah_MT, Dr.SportsMedIN, amy_econ_NJ and 6 others
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Dec 6, 2024 at 1:38 AM#3
Excellent addition. Updated:
OUTREACH RED FLAGS:
- [ ] Vendor contacts you first via DM (on Reddit, forums, Facebook groups)
- [ ] You find them through a "sponsored" post on social media
- [ ] Someone in a forum recommends them and their account was created recently
- [ ] They offer you a "special deal" for being a "valued community member"
Legitimate vendors don't need to slide into your DMs. They have established presences and let their reputation speak.
8 3adam_van, Dr.SurgeonPGH, rachel_ABQ and 5 others
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Sigma-Aldrich — Research-Grade Standards
Certified reference materials, analytical reagents, and research-grade standards for peptide verification. Trusted by laboratories worldwide.
Shop Reference StandardsDec 6, 2024 at 1:54 AM#4
I'm new to all of this and honestly this checklist is making me question whether ANY vendor is legitimate. Is it even possible to buy compounded peptides safely? It seems like the entire market is full of scammers.
Genuinely asking because I'm about to spend $200+ and I'm scared.
7 2HPLC_Greg, LibrarianMeg, bri_stats and 4 others
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Dec 6, 2024 at 3:19 AM#5
Don't be discouraged. There ARE legitimate vendors. The scammers are loud and numerous but the vetted vendor list exists for a reason. Here's my approach for any new vendor:
1. Check the vetted list first
2. Search this forum for the vendor name
3. Look for independent lab tests (Janoshik, LT) posted by BUYERS, not the vendor
4. Start with a small order
5. Send your first vial to Janoshik ($80-120) before using it
6. Only use credit card for first purchase
Yes, it costs an extra $100 to test your first order. Think of it as insurance. If it comes back good, you've got a reliable source. If it comes back bad, you saved yourself from injecting garbage AND you can chargeback.
6 1cory_ATX, lori_vegas, Dr.PulmRoch and 3 others
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