The following article is reprinted with the permission of the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. The article appeared in the Pharmacy Board's October 1998 newsletter, NC Vol. 20, No. 2.
A recent report described a new drug diversion scheme that involved culprits attending real estate "open houses." While on the property, the culprits would look through the owner's medicine cabinet(s) for prescription containers, particularly those with controlled substances and that indicated there were refills remaining.
After obtaining the information from the label, they would proceed to call in the refill at the pharmacy and obtain drugs illegally in this unique way.
Real Estate Commission Caveat
The Commission reminds its licensees to be aware of this particular scheme and other potential problems when conducting "open houses"; e.g., in a number of separate instances recently, the agent on duty at an open house has been attacked by a person posing as a potential buyer.
You are advised to consider having two or more agents on duty at an open house at all times. Be observant and alert to possible risky situations, and report any suspicious behavior to the proper authorities.