DENVER -- Consumers looking to the Internet for discount drugs may find a prescription for frustration and deceit, a Colorado lawmaker warned.

State Rep. Mark Cloer said there needs to be better protection and is asking the attorney general to investigate prescription drugs sold online, especially one that is doing business as Rx Plus Pharmacies, which is the name of a legitimate Colorado-based trade association that had its identity and e-mail address stolen.

"It's a name that many people trust. So they need to go to pharmacist in the store. Don't buy online if you are trying to buy from Rx Plus because it's a scam," said Cloer.

Cloer say the company just stole the Rx Plus name and will take a patient's credit card number and money but doesn't give you the drugs you requested.

Besides ordering drugs from fake companies, some customers never receive their orders or receive a slightly different version of what they wanted such as a lower dosage.

"The public, especially senior citizens, should be aware of criminals who want to exploit their medical needs," Cloer said. "The majority of senior citizens are eligible for discount drug cards offered by drug manufacturers. Low- and medium-income seniors who meet the income criteria can apply for discount cards through manufacturers which will entitle them to discounts at their local pharmacies."

Cloer said he will introduce legislation in January to fight against drug counterfeiting and tampering.

According to Cloer, prescription drugs can be tampered with and even counterfeited at points between the manufacturer and the consumer. In an attempt to thwart counterfeiters, several major drug manufacturer have announced that they will require drug wholesalers and distributors to purchase drugs directly from the manufacturer or an authorized reseller.

"Right now scammers can introduce illegally imported versions of drugs or fakes through the wholesale system. Scam artists working as drug wholesalers can tamper with drugs by changing labels on containers, reducing dosages or replacing drugs with fakes," Cloer said. "My bill will create a pedigree system to track drugs from the point of creation to the point of purchase."