Are you using real, safe vaping devices, or are you using potentially harmful fake nicotine vapes? As a matter of fact, how long do disposables last, and are the devices you’re using last the same amount of time?
Unfortunately, fake disposable vapes are a real thing. And sometimes, telling fake vapes from the real deal can be difficult. However, there are a few warning signs that you can look for to be on the safe side. On that note, the expert enthusiasts from Smokey News bring you everything you know about fake nicotine vapes and how to spot them.
What’s The Big Deal With Fake Vapes?
Lately, fake disposable vapes and other counterfeit smoking devices have been gathering quite the media attention. And why? Well, for starters, fake vapes can be dangerous. There have been videos posted on social media in which young people smoke these fake disposable vapes, which contain extremely high amounts of nicotine (around the equivalent of 125 cigarettes). For the most part, some of these stunts were just pulled off to garner some social media attention.
What makes these things worse is that some media outlets even claimed that the young people using these fake disposable vapes have checked into the hospital because of headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, chest pains, and nosebleeds.
What To Do?
We all know that the media adores extremities; chances are, you won’t buy such strong fake vapes on every corner. On that note, you can always take a few intelligent cautionary steps. First, you can always get your vapes and other equipment from reputable retailers like us. This can always be a physical shop or online. Trust us, if you want to avoid ending up with fake disposable vapes, going to an authorized seller is your best choice.
Fortunately, you can also do quite a few other things to avoid bootleg stuff.
In addition to purchasing from a trustworthy retailer, which can sometimes be time-consuming or not readily available, there are several methods you can employ to verify the authenticity of your vape device if you have doubts. Even if you are not particularly worried about your device, it is prudent to validate your purchases of disposable vapes occasionally.
Verify The Authenticity of the Device
Each authorized disposable nicotine vape is packaged with various verification checks integrated into the packaging. To authenticate your device, it is essential to have the original packaging in your possession. The packaging typically contains an authenticity sticker featuring a hologram, a QR code, and a scratch-off label concealing a security code. It is worth noting that there might be an additional QR code on the packaging for technical support, so keep this in mind while searching for the verification QR code.
QR Verification Code:
To verify the authenticity of a vape device using the QR code, capture a picture of the QR code using a smartphone. The QR code will direct you to the manufacturer’s website verification page. However, ensuring that you are on the legitimate manufacturer’s website is crucial to obtain accurate verification results.
Hologram:
This will display the brand’s logo and name. Study it closely, and make sure that the overall appearance and look of the image look legitimate. In several cases, counterfeit devices will have different styling and fonts that simply don’t match.
Scratch-off/Security Code: The scratch-off or security code is located beneath the designated area that needs to be scratched off. This unique code should be entered accurately into the verification checker on the webpage you were redirected to by the QR code. It is essential to ensure that all the characters are input correctly to avoid receiving an incorrect verification result.
Additional Tips for Avoiding Fake Nicotine Vapes
There are two primary methods to avoid purchasing counterfeit vapes: checking the verification code and buying from reputable retailers. However, verifying through the code assumes that you have already purchased unless you plan to scratch off every verification label in a store. If you buy online, performing a check is challenging unless you have the device’s box in your possession. Here are some tips to safeguard yourself and ensure the authenticity of your disposable vape purchases:
- Purchase exclusively from reputable online retailers or trusted physical shops.
- Check reviews of the store if you’re uncertain about their reliability.
- Consider smoke and vape shops as reliable sources.
- Exercise caution when encountering dubious gas stations selling synthetic drugs and dangerous weapons at the checkout counter.
- Examine the packaging closely for any signs of tampering. Authentic disposable devices are typically sealed at the factory.
- Never buy a disposable vape that doesn’t come in a sealed package.
- Scrutinize the packaging for misspelled words or low-quality printing. Counterfeiters often struggle to replicate the packaging as effectively as the actual product.
- Be wary of double printing, where the text appears imperfectly printed twice.
- Watch out for misspelled words, particularly related to the product or brand name. While authentic products from China may occasionally have English misspellings, the product and brand names should always be correctly spelled.
- Exercise caution with bundle deals that seem too good to be true.
- Avoid purchasing disposables from significant marketplaces like Alibaba, as they may pose a higher risk of counterfeit products.
Following these guidelines can minimize the chances of purchasing counterfeit disposable vapes and ensure a safer vaping experience.
You’ve Bought a Fake Disposable Vape. What Now?
If you discover that your vape device is counterfeit, it is crucial to take the following steps:
- Immediately stop using the device to avoid potential health and safety risks.
- Refrain from purchasing any further vape products from that particular retailer, as their integrity may be questionable.
- Attempt to return the counterfeit device to the store where you purchased it. However, it is unlikely to result in a refund since retailers selling counterfeit products often lack accountability or willingness to stand behind their products.
- Contacting the original manufacturer is unlikely to be fruitful as the device is not their genuine product.
- If you experience any adverse health effects after using the counterfeit device, it is advisable to consult with a doctor. It is essential to save the device as evidence in case it becomes necessary for any further action.
Taking these steps will help protect your health, discontinue support for counterfeit products, and ensure you make informed decisions regarding your vaping choices.
If You Prefer Counterfeit Products
Counterfeit vapes have been present in the market for a considerable time, and it is intriguing to note that some vapers willingly opt for counterfeit vape products. However, it is essential to distinguish between hardware and disposable devices in this context. While hardware clones, such as an Elf Bar clone or a Kayfun clone, are cheaper alternatives to the original expensive hardware, disposable devices are pre-filled with nicotine-containing e-liquid. It is crucial not to conflate clone hardware vapes with counterfeit disposables, as they are distinct entities with different implications. Comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges.
Stay True To The Real Deal
There’s a reason why these products have been cloned in the first place. They are high-quality and give an experience that’s true to vaping culture. On that end, if you’re a self-respecting aficionado, chances are, you already know that opting for the real thing is not just the smartest but often the safest thing to do.
As such, feel free to give us a visit, and we’ll gladly supply you with what you need.