How to Spot Fake Disposable Vape Products
As fake Geek Bars flood the UK market, we take a look at why should you be wary of fake vape products and how to spot them.

These days, vaping is seen as an alternative to smoking and with the industry growing at such a rapid rate, it’s no surprise that counterfeits have started to emerge. Wherever there is a success there are those looking to capitalise from it. And with the boom in disposable devices, something that’s much easier to produce and sell, we’ve heard of fake Geek bars cropping up in the market and it’s certainly something to be concerned about.
What’s the issue with fake vapes?
Many of these disposable vape products can appear genuine which can lure you into a false sense of security, especially if you see it at a much cheaper price. The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TPD) ensure that your vaping products are safe and tested. This process requires manufacturers to let governing bodies know the exact ingredients used, ensuring that nothing illegal or harmful is used. Of course, these fakes do not comply with this meaning that the bargain vape you just bagged could potentially be illegal and harmful to you.
Fake Disposable Geek Bars
Geek Bar has recently been a high-profile brand to feel the sting of counterfeiting. The UK market has seen a large influx of fake and cloned Geek Bars, as well as non TPD compliant versions. Not only can this impact the health of any who mistakenly use these products, but unfairly puts Geek Bar in the limelight for many stories of vaping misuse.
In the UK we have strict guidelines and restrictions on the selling of vaping products for the safety of customers. For example, when the Geek Bar Pro, a product that was sellable for the US but not the UK due to its larger volume of E-Liquid, started cropping up in the UK this also raised red flags. Customers could purchase these devices believing that they’re getting their usual amount of E-Liquid and usual strength of nicotine, which is not the case as it was found to be 50mg/ml in these devices. While the maximum nicotine content allowed in the UK is 20mg/ml. This could create serious issues for those using them unknowingly.
What to look out for to avoid fake vapes
Serial numbers
All products include serial numbers and if you are ever in doubt, you can email the manufacturer to verify if you have a legitimate product. Bear in mind the manufacturer’s details on the packaging may also be incorrect however this information should be also available online.
Purchase from reputable places
Ensuring that you only buy from reputable companies that are compliant with industry standards is a great way to be on the safe side.
The price is too good to be true
Often the lure used to get you to buy imitation vape products is by offering them at lower prices. Although companies do vary pricing to be competitive; if the price is far lower than anyone else selling the same product then you should certainly question why.
Packaging and labelling
Vaping products have strict guidelines for packaging so if you look out for key factors, you’ll be sure to spot the fakes. A best before date will be clear on the packaging plus the ingredients list. There will also be nicotine warnings printed onto the packaging. If the labelling isn’t clear, then avoid it.
If you think you’ve found/bought a fake or counterfeit vape product, we recommend checking the product over before using it, including contacting the manufacturer for the product. For example, the fake Geek Bar devices had incorrect manufacturer information on the packaging; a quick Google search can tell you who the correct manufacturer for Geek Bars is. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Here at Pod Salt, you can confirm the authenticity of your Pod Salt products online. Don’t get caught out by these imitation products; shop local, shop responsibly, shop safely.