Recent reports of anthrax exposure have spawned numerous Web sites and e-mails offering to sell Ciprofloxacin and other antibiotics for treatment. The Federal Trade Commission warns that scam artists often follow the headlines, tailoring their offers to prey on consumers’ fears and vulnerabilities.

If you’re wondering whether to buy products online from sellers who claim that their products will protect you from biological threats, the FTC, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, have these suggestions:

Talk to your health care professional before you use any medications. Unless you are specifically notified or instructed by public health officials, there is no need to obtain or take antibiotics to prevent anthrax. Confirming an infection requires a doctor’s examination and diagnosis. This is particularly important for anthrax. A general questionnaire does not provide enough information – or the right kind of information – for a health care professional to determine whether: 1) a particular drug will work for you; 2) it is safe to use; 3) another treatment is more appropriate; 4) there will be adverse reactions with another medication you’re taking; or 5) you have an underlying medical condition, such as an allergy, that could make the drug harmful.

Some Web sites may sell ineffective drugs. Some sites may claim to sell FDA-approved drugs, like Cipro, made to meet U.S. standards, but they may be selling a similar drug made elsewhere, where there may be no guarantee of appropriate manufacturing standards. There also may be no way for you to tell whether a drug is an ineffective “knock-off” just by looking at the pills. In fact, the drugs could be counterfeit or even adulterated with dangerous contaminants.

Know who you’re buying from. Would you buy a prescription drug from a sidewalk vendor? Online, anyone can pretend to be anyone. Because it is easy to fake e-mail addresses, be mindful of who you’re buying a product from. You may send the Web site your money and not get the real thing – or anything – in return. To ensure that the site is reputable and licensed to sell drugs in the United States, the FDA recommends that you check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy at www.nabp.net or 847-698-6227.

In addition, don’t buy prescription drugs from sites that offer to: 1) prescribe them for the first time without a physical exam; 2) sell a prescription drug without a prescription; or 3) sell drugs not approved by the FDA. According to the American Medical Association, prescribing medication without a doctor’s examination is considered substandard medical care.

Don’t do business with Web sites that do not provide you with access to a registered pharmacist to answer questions.

Avoid sites that don’t provide their name, physical business address, and phone number. Otherwise, you will never know who you’re dealing with and how to reach them if there is a problem.

Don’t purchase from foreign Web sites at this time. It is generally illegal to import the drugs bought from these sites; the risks are greater, and there is very little the U.S. government can do if you get ripped off.

If you buy drugs online, pay by credit or charge card. If you pay for online purchases by credit or charge card, the Fair Credit Billing Act will protect your transaction. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and withhold payment while the creditor is investigating those charges. In the case of unauthorized use of a consumer’s credit or charge card, consumers generally are held liable only for the first $50 in charges. Some cards may provide additional warranty or purchase protection benefits.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT/The Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. For help or to request individual or business membership information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, PO Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.