Their targets had no way of knowing the patients weren't who they said they were. That was exactly the point. States rely on stings to bring charges against online pharmacies because consumers haven't themselves complained. Unlike many regulatory actions, these aren't driven by public outcry or high-profile tragedies. Regulatory stings tend to get positive press in part because the public debate idealizes off-line medical practice, i.e., every doctor knows and carefully examines every patient before ever issuing a prescription.
Reality is a lot more varied.
By contrast, Filice, whose online prescribing so offended Illinois regulators, told a reporter he'd never issue a prescription for an antibiotic without a physical exam. That's a tough order, since regulators can put such dissidents out of business with heavy fines and license revocation. Some online pharmacies are trying safety in numbers, banding together in a trade association. But OPPA wouldn't tell me its members' names, even off the record. It's hard to plead your case if you're in hiding.