How to Spot a Fake Disposable Vape

Fake disposable vapes not only deceive consumers but also pose serious health risks due to unregulated and potentially harmful ingredients.

The popularity of vaping as an alternative to traditional smoking has led to a proliferation of disposable vapes on the market. 

These devices, celebrated for their convenience and variety, have unfortunately attracted counterfeiters. This article aims to equip you with the knowledge to spot a fake disposable vape and make safer, more informed purchasing decisions.

The Risks of Fake Disposable Vapes

Before diving into the specifics of identifying counterfeit vapes, it’s crucial to understand the associated risks. Fake vapes often contain harmful chemicals due to unregulated production, which can lead to the inclusion of dangerous substances. 

They also typically have poor quality control, resulting in devices that malfunction, leak, or produce inconsistent vapour. Moreover, they lack accurate nicotine levels, posing a danger, particularly for those trying to manage their nicotine intake.

Spotting a Fake Disposable Vape

A fake disposable vape device can sometimes look like the real thing, but luckily there are other tell-tale signs of fraud. 

Packaging and Branding

One of the first and most noticeable indicators of a fake disposable vape is the packaging. Legitimate manufacturers invest significantly in high-quality packaging to protect their brand and ensure product safety. 

Signs of low-quality packaging include blurry text and images, poor construction using weak materials such as easily damaged plastic, and misspellings or grammatical errors. These errors are red flags since authentic companies meticulously check their packaging for such issues.

Carefully inspect the device packaging for any signs of tampering. Authentic disposable vapes are always sealed in factory packaging, so avoid purchasing any disposable vape that does not come in a sealed package.

Branding inconsistencies can also reveal a counterfeit product. Incorrect logos that differ in design or colour from the official logo on the brand’s website are suspicious. Genuine packaging includes detailed product information, warnings, and certifications, so missing or vague information is a concern. 

Additionally, check the packaging for any misspelt words or poor-quality print jobs, as these are often harder to counterfeit than the actual product. You should also be cautious of double printing, where the text appears to be printed twice. 

Pay special attention to the spelling of the product and brand names. While some English misspellings can occur on authentic products from China, the names of the product and brand should always be correct.

Many reputable brands include a scratch-off code for verification on their website. The absence of such a feature can indicate a fake product.

Device Examination

Examining the vape device itself can provide further clues. If a device feels unusually light or flimsy, it might be fake. Button functionality is another indicator; buttons should be securely fitted and functional. Loose or malfunctioning buttons can indicate a counterfeit. Additionally, check the USB port and other connection points. Genuine devices will have clean, well-finished connections, while fakes might have rough or uneven edges.

Design details can also help identify a fake. Compare the colour and finish of the device to images from the official website. Counterfeit products may have slight colour variations or a cheaper finish. Check the device for any printed information. Blurred or smudged printing is another sign of a counterfeit product.

Performance and User Experience

Even if a disposable vape looks genuine, its performance can reveal its true nature. Authentic vapes provide consistent flavour throughout their use, whereas a fake device might have weak or fluctuating flavours. Genuine devices produce smooth, consistent vapour. If the vapour is harsh, uneven, or has a burnt taste, it could be a counterfeit.

Battery life is another factor to consider. Authentic disposable vapes are designed to last for a specific number of puffs. If your device dies much earlier than expected, it might be fake. 

Charging issues are also telling. Some disposables are rechargeable; if your device has trouble charging or the charging port feels loose, it could be counterfeit.

Vape Authenticity Check

The Vape Authenticity Check is a mandatory verification system in the UK to combat counterfeit vapes. All vape devices must register on an official database before they are legally sold in England and Wales. 

Users can scan a unique QR code or input a serial number provided on the packaging to verify the authenticity of the product. This system helps ensure that the vape device meets safety standards. If the details do not match, the device might not comply with regulations and UK product safety standards.

How to Verify Vape Authenticity

Somewhere on the packaging, you’ll find an authenticity sticker that typically includes a hologram, a QR code, and a scratch-off label hiding a security code. Additionally, there might be a separate QR code for tech support. Ensure you distinguish the verification QR code from any other QR codes on the packaging.

• Authenticity Sticker: Look for a sticker featuring a hologram, QR code, and scratch-off label hiding a security code.
• Hologram: The hologram displays the brand name or logo. Verify that the font and styling are correct and consistent with the brand’s official design.
• QR Code: Scan the QR code with a smartphone to be directed to the manufacturer’s official website verification page.
• Scratch-off Security Code: Reveal the code beneath the scratch-off label and enter it on the verification page. Make sure all of the characters are entered in the right order. Repeat this step if need be, just to double check.

Purchasing from Reliable Sources

One of the most effective ways to avoid fake disposable vapes is to purchase from reputable sources. Buying directly from the manufacturer’s website or an authorised retailer listed on their site is a safe bet. 

Established retail chains are less likely to stock counterfeit products compared to small, unknown vendors. Be cautious of suspiciously low prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is, as extremely low prices can indicate counterfeit products. 

Before purchasing from an unfamiliar site, check reviews from other customers. Consistent negative feedback about product authenticity is a red flag you want to avoid. Also, check if the business is verified with Trustpilot. A verified business is an authentic business.

What should I do with a fake vape?

Immediately stop using the device and refrain from purchasing vape products from that retailer. It might be worth trying to return the product, but be aware that refunds are unlikely from stores selling counterfeit items.

If a store is knowingly selling counterfeit vape products, they probably won’t be taking them back. 

Contacting the original manufacturer is also ineffective since the product is not genuine. If you feel unwell after using a counterfeit device, consult your doctor and keep the device for reference.

To report the illegal selling of vapes to Trading Standards, you should contact the Citizens Advice consumer service or speak to an adviser if you need further help with your problem on their consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133. 

Consumer Vigilance and Reporting

Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious products helps protect the entire vaping community. Make it a habit to inspect each disposable vape you purchase, even from trusted sources. Follow your favourite brands on social media or subscribe to their newsletters to stay updated on new products and known counterfeits.

This will keep you updated on new product launches, changes in packaging, and any alerts regarding counterfeit products. Brands often provide detailed information about their packaging and authentication features, making it easier for you to spot fakes. The better you know the brand, the less likely it is that you will be caught out by a fake.

If you suspect you’ve purchased a fake, verify the device by scanning the QR code to confirm its authenticity. This process can help address counterfeiters. Sharing your experience with the community through online forums or social media can help others avoid fake products.

You can report businesses engaging in illegal activities to your local police by following these steps:

• Online Reporting: Visit Police.uk, enter your postcode, and contact your neighbourhood policing team.
• Phone Reporting: Call the 101 community police number.

Businesses selling illegal or age-restricted products to young people often contribute to antisocial behaviour and may be involved in other criminal activities. Reporting these businesses helps maintain community safety and uphold the law.

Summary

When you buy vapes, spotting a fake disposable vape requires a keen eye and diligence. By carefully examining packaging, device quality, and performance and purchasing from reputable sources, you can significantly reduce your risk of encountering counterfeit products. 

Protecting yourself from fakes not only safeguards your health but also supports legitimate businesses committed to providing safe and enjoyable vaping experiences. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and vape responsibly.

Stick with the Vapour Hut for more of our useful beginner vape guides.