A growing wave of scam websites posing as online pharmacies is targeting Australians, particularly those too embarrassed to seek sensitive medical treatments in person. These sites promise medication for conditions such as erectile dysfunction, hair loss, and weight control without the need for prescriptions, drawing victims into identity theft and financial ruin.
Cybersecurity firm Avast has flagged 5,000 such fraudulent websites worldwide, with 41% targeting men’s sexual health. In the first half of 2025 alone, Avast prevented 21,000 attacks on Australian users through its protective software.
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AI Powers the Fake Pharmacy Explosion
According to Avast expert Stephen Kho, recent advances in AI, particularly a technique called “vibe coding”, have made it easy for scammers to generate dozens of deceptive online drug shops daily. Using AI tools, fraudsters can quickly design convincing web layouts, fabricate checkout systems, and create localised branding that mimics trusted Australian pharmacies.
Some of these sites even display .com.au domains and prices in AUD, giving false legitimacy. In reality, they may be based overseas and equipped only to steal personal and financial details, not deliver medicine.
The Hidden Costs of Convenience
Cybercrime experts warn that the consequences of such scams extend beyond wasted money. Victims often expose bank account information, IDs, and credit card data, making them vulnerable to broader fraud schemes. The emotional toll is also high, as shame over medical conditions like impotence or weight often leads people toward these dangerous shortcuts.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) cautioned that while some online pharmacies operate legally, these rogue platforms offer unverified, potentially harmful products and should be avoided at all costs.