Prescription fraud is defined by using deceptive or false means to obtain a drug prescription for one’s own use or for profit. A doctor or pharmacist can also be charged with prescription fraud if they knowingly agree to issue or change a prescription. Some events that can lead to being arrested for prescription fraud are:

• Posing as a pharmacist to fill a prescription
• Impersonating medical personnel to call in a prescription
• Copying or forging a prescription
• Adding a second drug to a legal prescription
• Changing a prescription to obtain a higher dosage
• Pretending to be a physician to write a prescription
• Stealing a prescription or blank prescription pads

Many penalties for prescription fraud are: probation, jail or prison time, fines, community service, drug counseling, drug court and having a criminal record. Licensed physicians and pharmacists may also lose their licenses.