R E TA I L C R I M E
FAKE VAPES
ELFBAR stops over a million counterfeit disposable vapes The brand has been working closely with Chinese authorities to close down more than 20 counterfeit factories and fake websites.
D
isposable vape brand ELFBAR has intercepted more than a million fake vapes bearing its product names. The company has been working closely with Chinese authorities to close down more than 20 counterfeit factories, which were found to have collectively produced over a million counterfeits. Victor Xiao, Chief Executive of ELFBAR, said: “We are working actively with the authorities in China in cracking down counterfeits of our products and have made good progress. ELFBAR, as a socially responsible brand, will continue the efforts to defeat counterfeits and protect the health of our customers.” The counterfeiters have also created fake websites that look identical to the official ELFBAR website. Domain names created by the fraudsters include Elfdar. com, Elfbar-tech.com, Elfba.com, Elfbar. link, and Elfbar-teoh.com. Xiao added: “Whilst we are locating spoof sites and taking them down, we caution our customers that the fraudsters may continue to set up new domains. “We have a zero tolerance to counterfeits as they impact on our reputation, and more importantly bring major health hazards to the vapers and those transitioning from conventional cigarettes to vapes due to their lack of quality control. The counterfeit products
do not meet our quality standards, which comply with robust regulatory requirements as set out in the Tobacco Products Directive and The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations.” The company is asking retailers to be alert to the issue and has started to provide distributors with visual information on how to spot fakes.
Said Xiao: “For retailers and consumers, we suggest that they verify products by scanning the QR code on the package and ensure it takes them to the official ELFBAR.com domain for verification. If you suspect the product you bought is fake, please drop us a note at legal@elfbar.com, and we will take appropriate action.”
WEDNESDAY 20TH JULY 2022/ ISSUE 114/ SLRMAG.CO.UK I 13
