Are Fake Vapes Dangerous? How To Identify Counterfeit Vapes

The increasing number of fake vapes entering the UK is a massive problem which plays a role in the increase in underage vaping. More than 4.5 million counterfeit vapes weighing almost 10 tonnes were seized in 2023, four times the amount than in 2022. This figure undoubtedly is only a drop in the proverbial ocean, with many more making their way into the hands of unsuspecting vapers.

This issue of fake disposable vapes goes far beyond copyright infringement, and they’re one of the factors which influenced the upcoming disposable vape ban. They pose a number of dangers ranging from health risks to fire hazards, so the best way to ensure that you enjoy a quality vaping experience is to only purchase the real deal, which you can find here at Legion of Vapers.

Join us as we unpack the dangers of fake vapes, delving into reasons to avoid counterfeit vaping devices, learning how to spot them, and familiarising yourself with some of the most counterfeited devices.

What are Fake Vapes?

Fake vapes are counterfeit devices that usually but not always imitate the best legitimate vaping brands. While fake devices often bear enough resemblance to the real thing to be mistaken for them at a glance, you’ll usually find tell-tale signs of counterfeiting on closer inspection. We’ll describe how to spot fake disposable vapes in more detail below.

Reasons to Avoid Fake Vapes

You might be wondering whether fake vapes really are as bad as they’re being made out to be. They are, and here’s why you should avoid them at all costs:

Health and Safety Hazards

One of the biggest problems with counterfeited vaping devices is their lack of transparency regarding their contents. Counterfeiters have no intention of complying with regulations, which means they often use below-standard manufacturing techniques to produce products which may contain heavy metals, toxins, and harmful chemicals.

To make matters worse, manufacturing conditions often are unsanitary, while the fake vapes and e-liquids they produce are not subject to any form of quality control or safety testing. Irresponsibly discarded disposable vapes, many of which undoubtedly are fake, have been linked to a recent and unprecedented rise in fires in bin lorries and at waste plants in the UK.

We’re happy to report that all our vaping devices and vape juices here at LoV are manufactured according to the highest standards.

Inaccurate Nicotine Levels

Fake disposable vapes seldom feature accurate nicotine content levels, and this is usually due to the lack of regulatory compliance. The nicotine content advertised on the packaging may be lower or higher than what is in e-liquid in the device itself.

A recent report about disposable vapes containing the same amount of nicotine as 125 cigarettes claimed that some users experienced symptoms of fake vapes with high nicotine levels, such as coughing up blood, chest pains, dizziness, headaches, and nosebleeds. A couple of other health risks associated with higher nicotine levels include high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues and developing a stronger nicotine dependence.

Wasted Money

Fake vapes usually retail at lower prices than the legit vaping devices. While this might make them attractive, especially if you’re on a budget, fake products are simply not worth the unsatisfactory experience or the potential health and safety risks. You’ll save money (and more) by always choosing legitimate devices from reputable sellers such as LoV.

Poor Customer Support

Fake vapes usually don’t have a warranty, while the customer service offered by their manufacturers is poor at best and non-existent most of the time. No matter what issue you might have with a fake disposable vape, there’s a good chance it won’t be resolved. This is not how the best vaping brands operate.

Undermining Reputable Brands

Counterfeit vapes undermine reputable vaping brands in the UK. In addition to financial losses, legitimate brands are sometimes faced with legal challenges, while their relationships with customers may suffer, especially if customers have had bad experiences with fake vapes.

The vaping industry’s overall reputation also suffers as a result of fake products flooding the market, as some consumers don’t differentiate between fakes and reputable devices. What’s more, dangerous counterfeited devices may also elicit tougher regulatory measures which may affect the industry’s future development.

Environmental Impact

A heavy environmental impact is another good reason to avoid fake vapes. Often manufactured with non-recyclable materials and harmful chemicals, fake vaping products lead to more waste and greater damage to the environment.

Their unregulated production methods may contribute to the faster depletion of natural resources and produce significant carbon emissions. Reputable vape manufacturers are constantly working toward greater sustainability.

How to Spot Fake Vapes

There are a few tell-tale signs to look for when spotting fake vapes. These include the device not being in a sealed bag in a box, no information leaflet, evidence of shoddy workmanship, and packaging which does not display:

• Nicotine health warning (unless the device is nicotine free)
• Nicotine content (of no higher than 20mg or 2%)
• Puff count
• Nicotine dose per puff (unless nicotine free)
• Ingredients (which shouldn’t include caffeine, colourings, or taurine)
• E-liquid capacity
• Hazard statements
• Batch number
• Expiry date
• ECID number

If you’re ever doubtful about the legitimacy of a vaping product, enter its ECID number into the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) website search feature to check whether the device is approved for sale in the UK. If the device is not approved, it’s a fake disposable vape.

Some leading vape brands include a unique authentication QR code on their devices’ packaging. You can scan this code to check that you have a genuine product.

Common Counterfeited Vaping Products

Counterfeiters usually target the most popular vaping brands. Some of the most common fake vapes in the UK try to imitate brands such as SKE Crystal, Elf Bars, Elux, Bloody Mary, Lost Mary, and Geek Bar.

These fake disposable vapes are easy to tell apart from legitimate products when compared with them. For example, fake Elf Bars have noticeably different colour gradients and fonts compared to the real thing. Counterfeit SKE Crystal Bars have curved bottoms, unlike the flat bottoms of authentic SKE Crystal Bars. Counterfeiters also create fake vape kits, pods, tanks, mods, coils, and e-liquids.

Whether you’re looking for a legit vape kit, a popular pod kit, a new tank, a feature-packed mod, the most flavourful e-liquids or nic salts, or replacement coils, you’ll find them here at LoV.

Choose Vapes You Can Trust

While you might save a few quid upfront if you buy fake vapes, they are dangerous. The potential consequences for your health, the safety of yourself and others, the environment, and the wider vaping industry and community are not worth it.

Always choose vape kits, e-liquids, and vape components and accessories you can trust. Turn to Legion of Vapers for all your vaping needs.