Checklist
Red flags before you buy.
A structured checklist for evaluating any peptide vendor before you buy. If a vendor misses 3+ of these, source elsewhere.
No published COAs
Real vendors publish batch-specific certificates of analysis right on the product page. 'Available on request' usually means 'we'll show you something generic' or 'we don't have them.'
COAs don't match the lot number on your vial
A legitimate COA lists a specific lot number that should match what's printed on the vial you receive. If they don't match, that COA is not for your product.
Third-party testing lab is unnamed or unverifiable
COAs should name the testing lab (Freedom Diagnostics, Janoshik, or equivalent). Vague 'independent laboratory' language is a warning.
COAs are only 'in-house' tested
In-house testing by a manufacturer selling the product is a conflict of interest. Third-party independent labs only.
Impossibly low prices
Real reta at 5 mg costs a vendor $30-60 in raw materials plus manufacturing plus shipping plus margin. If a 30 mg vial sells for $50, that's a red flag. Someone is cutting corners somewhere.
Crypto-only payment
Legitimate vendors accept credit cards. Crypto-only removes your ability to dispute charges. It's a preferred payment method for operations that expect to be caught.
New site, no history
Domain registered <6 months ago, no forum presence, no track record. Peptide fraud operations are often short-lived and disappear after receiving payment.
Uses a legitimate brand's name deceptively
'Lonza Factory' is not Lonza. 'Bachem Peptides' is not Bachem. If a vendor's name evokes a real pharma manufacturer they're not affiliated with, that's intentional deception.
COA templates match a known lab's exactly
Freedom Diagnostics has confirmed vendors fraudulently copying their COA templates. If a COA design matches a lab's exactly but the lab has no record of that test, it's fake.
Reviews are only on their own website
Independent reviews on Reddit r/Peptides, Trustpilot, or third-party forums matter. On-site testimonials can be fabricated.
Customer service is evasive when questioned
Ask specific technical questions about their COA, manufacturing, or testing. Vague answers, deflection, or defensive tone = walk away.
Products showing appetite INCREASE (or other reverse effect)
This is the tell that something bioactive but wrong is in the vial. A GLP-1 shouldn't make you hungrier. Fraudulent operations sometimes substitute with cheap peptides that cause reverse effects.
The best defense: independent testing
Sending a vial to Freedom Diagnostics or Janoshik costs about $100–350 and returns a document for identity, purity, and fill weight. That COA is what belongs in the registry.