In an October 2025 episode of Nightline, ABC News investigated fake glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs sold online. According to its research, online sellers are misspelling the brand names of GLP-1 products in order to skirt authorities and peddle counterfeit versions of the weight loss drug. These sellers often highlight that the product does not require a prescription, and they will only accept payments through Bitcoin or cash apps – two signals that the products are not legitimate medications.
Nightline encourages viewers to verify before they buy using the Safe Site Search Tool on the NABP Safe Pharmacy website.
This website from NABP provides educational information that helps consumers understand why they should only buy from verified, legitimate websites that comply with NABP patient safety and pharmacy practice standards or applicable laws, including requiring prescriptions for prescription medications.