Our list of What Are the Best 6000 Puff Vapes in the UK? highlights devices from trusted brands. but in this article we will explain how to determine whether a vape is authentic or fake.
With the rise of 6000 puff vapes across the UK, so has the number of counterfeits. Popular brands like Lost Mary, Crystal, Instapod, Drifter and Hayati are now regularly targeted by copycat sellers pushing fake versions online or through less reputable shops.
These imitations might look similar at first glance, but they often fall short on flavour, battery life and most importantly, safety. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to check if your 6000 puff vape is authentic and what to avoid when buying.
Why Fake Vapes Are a Problem
Counterfeit vapes often cut corners with poor battery protection, low-grade e-liquid and cheap coil materials. They are not MHRA-registered, usually breach TPD limits and may include:
-
Oversized tanks that are illegal in the UK
-
Unregulated nicotine strengths
-
Weak or inconsistent vapour
-
Risk of overheating, leaking or even battery failure
Buying a fake might seem cheaper at first but it can ruin the experience and potentially put your health at risk. Always aim for verified products from official UK retailers.
General Signs a Vape Might Be Fake
Before diving into specific brands, here are universal red flags to watch out for:
-
No MHRA warning label or missing ingredients list
-
Packaging looks pixelated, unsealed or printed with spelling mistakes
-
Device has no authentication code or QR sticker
-
Tank clearly holds more than 2ml or uses language like "10ml prefilled"
-
Nicotine strength is over 20mg or listed vaguely
-
Unusual flavour names not listed on the brand's official website
-
Seller offers extremely low prices or accepts only cash or bank transfer
-
Website has no contact details, returns policy or UK address
If anything looks or feels off, trust your gut and don’t use it.
How to Verify Each Brand
Here’s how to check the authenticity of some of the most popular 6000 puff vapes in the UK right now.
Lost Mary BM6000
Lost Mary has a verification system on their official website. Each BM6000 comes with a scratch panel on the side of the packaging. Once scratched, it reveals a code that can be entered on the Lost Mary website to confirm whether it’s genuine.
Signs of a fake Lost Mary BM6000 include odd flavour names, missing batch numbers, and low build quality. Also check that it is rechargeable, as older-style disposables are now banned in the UK.
Crystal CL6000
Crystal (by SKE) also uses a QR code or numeric security code to confirm authenticity. Scan the code on the side of the box or visit the official SKE website and enter the code manually.
Make sure the packaging states it contains no more than 2ml per pod and includes a nicotine warning label. Crystal vapes should feel solid and cleanly manufactured. If your device feels unusually light, it may be a knock-off.
Instapod 6000
Instapod is a newer brand but is already being copied. Each legitimate Instapod 6000 comes in a sealed, branded box with a holographic sticker and a scannable QR code. Some versions include a unique batch code and serial number on the pod itself.
Avoid sellers who offer multipacks at heavy discounts or who do not show packaging in product listings. Instapod should always be sold as a TPD-compliant, rechargeable pod-based system.
Drifter Bar 6000
Drifter Bar packaging should include a visible verification label with either a QR code or website for checking the batch. You can usually validate the code on their main product site.
Be wary of fake Drifter Bars claiming to offer extra features like built-in power indicators or more than 6000 puffs. If it looks too advanced or flashy, it is likely fake or modified.
Hayati Pro Max
Hayati’s Pro Max series is one of the most cloned devices in the UK. Real Hayati devices will feature a security sticker on the side of the box with a scannable QR code. You can verify this on the official Hayati website.
Hayati should be rechargeable with a visible USB-C port, and sold with either a pod system or internal refill chamber. Any device claiming to be single-use with more than 2ml in the tank is not compliant and likely fake.
Where to Buy Genuine 6000 Puff Vapes
To avoid counterfeits, always buy from trusted UK retailers who:
-
Are listed as authorised stockists by the brand
-
Provide MHRA-compliant packaging
-
Offer customer service, returns and UK-based support
-
Display product batch codes and full device specs
-
Do not sell devices that break the 2ml or 20mg nicotine limits
If a site only accepts bank transfers or doesn’t provide shipping confirmation, avoid it. The safest place to buy is through UK-registered vape shops, official brand partners or retailers you’ve used before and trust.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Fake
If you suspect your vape might not be authentic, stop using it immediately. Contact the seller to ask for verification or proof of origin. If they ignore you or refuse to cooperate, report the product to Trading Standards or submit a safety concern to the MHRA.
You can also contact the brand directly with the code and batch details. Many offer dedicated customer support to help identify counterfeits.
Final Thoughts
6000 puff vapes are a great way to enjoy long-lasting, hassle-free vaping, but only if you’re using a genuine product. With so many fakes on the market, it pays to check carefully before you buy.
Stick with trusted names, always look for verification codes, and never buy from questionable sellers. Your vape should be smooth, safe and consistent, not a guessing game.
To shop our full range of verified 6000 puff vapes from Lost Mary, Crystal, Instapod, Drifter and Hayati, visit our 6000 Puff Vape collection and enjoy peace of mind with every puff.
For more clarity around common claims, see Myths and Facts About 6000 Puff Vapes
