EU drug watchdog warns of scams using regulator’s logo

The European Medicines Agency (EMA), the EU’s drug regulator, is warning the public and companies to beware of fraud. The agency has been alerted to several scams and phishing attempts in recent months.

‘Illegal third parties are using our name, emails, logo, and even staff names to request money through fake documents,’ the EMA posted on its social channels. ‘Watch out for fake invoices, emails, or phone calls impersonating EMA and asking for money transfers. EMA will never ask for payments from citizens.’

The EMA urged the public to report scam attempts to their local authorities responsible for crime and cybercrime.

Meanwhile, the Agency is warning that trade in fake medicines is on the rise again in the EU. The phenomenon includes medicines in high demand, such as GLP1 agonists used in weight loss and diabetes management.

‘If a medicine is prescription only, and your doctor doesn’t prescribe it to you, don’t just go online and try to get it anyway’ the EMA said. ‘This makes you vulnerable to fall for falsified medicines. Beware that when you buy medicines from unauthorised websites you are at greater risk of purchasing fakes.’