Fake Vapes: Risks and How to Identify Them

Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among younger individuals. For many people, it is just a way of relaxation and luxury, while others use it to help them quit smoking. Either way, there is a danger of counterfeit vapes that many users may not know about.

In this blog, we dive deeper into what counterfeited vapes are, why they are dangerous, how to spot and avoid them, and everything in between.

What are Counterfeit Vapes?

Counterfeit vapes are exactly what they sound like: fake vapes. They are sold in different ways, so it might be hard to spot one or even differentiate from the real ones. Some of them are copies of big brand names. For example, you might find a vape device with a well-known brand name like "Elf Bar", but in reality, it is not manufactured by that company.

Others are new, unknown products introduced to the market, but they don’t meet the required safety standards. They may be made with inexpensive, low-quality materials, contain hazardous chemicals, and may not have been tested by licensed third-party companies.

Imagine buying a bottle of water. It looks clear, but in reality, it is not treated or filtered. Despite looking clean, it may contain germs, dirt, and other harmful substances. That is what a counterfeit vape is like.

At first glance, it appears to be just fine and legitimate. However, it may contain harmful ingredients and toxic chemicals. These fake vapes are often made in dirty, unregulated factories. They don’t follow any rules or health guidelines, and they are only made to look good and sell fast.

Why are Counterfeit Vapes Dangerous?

Unknown Chemicals

Counterfeit vape products are not manufactured under any rules or guidelines, like real vapes are. Since no safety tests have been conducted, manufacturers can use virtually any ingredients, even if they aren't safe.

They can use cheap, hazardous chemicals to save money and increase profits, without anyone being aware. Some fake vapes have been found to contain heavy metals like lead or mercury, which are very harmful to the body. Even worse, some have had traces of illegal drugs.

The sad part is that many users are unaware of what they are inhaling. Most people think it is just nicotine and flavour, but it could be something worse, which could lead to serious health issues.

Unhygienic Conditions

The conditions under which some of these counterfeit vapes are made are just scary. There have been exposés that have revealed the actual state of the factories. Some of them are manufactured in small, hidden rooms in back streets or rundown warehouses, with little to no proper hygiene or safety controls.

The workers often lack proper attire and protection, such as gloves or masks, and they frequently handle everything, from cartridges and liquids to mouthpieces, with their bare hands. Some factories lack proper washing facilities, which means workers may handle products after eating, smoking, or using the bathroom without washing their hands.

Not to mention shocking reports of workers testing the vapes by using their own mouths, puffing on them to “check” if they work before packaging them. Imagine buying a vape that has already been used by someone else.

That is not just disgusting. It is dangerous. You could be inhaling germs, bacteria, or even viruses from someone you have never met. Using products made in these filthy conditions puts your health at serious risk.

No Age Control

Most counterfeit vapes are usually sold on the streets, shady corners in markets, and shady websites, and are often sold to anyone. Nobody asks for age or ID. Their sole goal is to sell everything and get the money. It doesn't matter who they are selling to.

This is scary, knowing that children and teenagers can easily access them. Vaping when underage is already bad enough. Imagine vaping foreign ingredients and devices that could potentially put them at all types of risks.

How to Tell if A Vape is Counterfeit

It is not always easy to tell if a vape is counterfeit, especially not by just looking at it. Some of them are very well made and packaged that they look exactly like the real products they are imitating. For the new, unknown vapes, they may also look legit. However, there will always be clues. Here are some tips to help identify them;

Cheap Prices

This is always a major giveaway. While some real vape companies offer legit, affordable vapes, counterfeits almost always have suspiciously low prices. If something is selling for half the normal price, or even less, chances are it is not the real deal.

If you are not a new user, you will notice this immediately. However, if you are a beginner, it may still be a bit of a challenge. That is why it is essential to conduct your own research first. Check out the companies of the real brands to have all the information you need.

Bad Packaging

The packaging can also give it away, especially if you're accustomed to buying the same product. Counterfeit companies always strive to make their products appear as authentic as possible to imitate the original brand, but there are always subtle differences.

It may be a colour, a typeface, the texture of the package, or even the information. Some fakes come in boxes with blurry printing, spelling mistakes, or missing information. Some won’t have a logo, a batch number, health warnings, or the manufacturer's address. If anything about the packaging appears odd or cheap, it may be a counterfeit.

No Authentication Code or Website

Thanks to technology, most companies these days can give buyers a way to confirm the authenticity of their products, and vapes are no exception. This is often done with a scratch-off code or QR code that you can enter or scan on their official website.

If the vape doesn't have this type of authentication, especially if you've been using the same product and expect it to have it, it could be a warning sign. Some might have the code or QR code, but it doesn't work when you try to check it online.

A legitimate company will typically have a professional-looking website with customer service, product details, and contact information. A fake one may have no website at all, or a poor-quality one full of errors.

Weird Taste or Smell

If you don't notice any of the above signs of a fake product and you happen to bring it home, or if you buy it online, you might be able to tell by the taste, smell, and overall functionality of the device.

A real vape should taste and smell clean and smooth, depending on the flavour. If you take a puff and it tastes strange, burns your throat, smells chemical, or just feels wrong, stop using it. This could mean the liquid is made with bad ingredients. Sometimes fake vapes use cheaper chemicals or poor-quality flavours that aren’t meant for the human body. And your body knows when something is off, so trust your senses.

Conclusion

Counterfeit vapes are not just cheap copies. They are a serious danger to society. While real vapes are made under strict rules, fake ones are made with no care, no safety, and no concern for your health. They can harm your lungs, damage your body, and in the worst cases, cost your life.

It is our responsibility to protect one another, especially children and teenagers who may not yet be aware of the lurking dangers. Everyone should do their part, within their power, to help spread information and knowledge, enabling others to make safer choices.

The more we talk about these risks, the more we can prevent potential accidents, illnesses, and even deaths caused by counterfeit vapes. If you or someone you know vapes, share this blog. Let’s spread the word and help more people stay safe.