The Convenience Store Buyer
Risk level: High
You buy vapes at gas stations, corner stores, or convenience marts because they are convenient and nearby. NEJM data shows 69.4% of convenience store vape sales are unauthorized products. Switch to a licensed vape shop or authorized online retailer to dramatically reduce your risk.
The Online Deal Hunter
Risk level: Very High
You search for the lowest price online and buy from unverified marketplaces or social media sellers. Counterfeiters target exactly this behavior — prices 30-50% below retail are the single biggest red flag. See our disposable vape buying guide for legitimate retailers.
The Bulk Buyer
Risk level: Very High
You buy 5-10 devices at once from a "wholesale" seller to save money. Bulk deals on Lost Mary devices are almost always counterfeit — no legitimate wholesaler sells below retail. If you want bulk savings, switch to a refillable pod system where genuine savings come from e-liquid, not bulk disposables.
The Licensed Shop Customer
Risk level: Low
You buy from a licensed vape shop that shows Lost Mary authorization. You verify the scratch-off code every time. Your risk is minimal — but still check, because counterfeit devices occasionally enter legitimate supply chains.
The California / Ban-State Vaper
Risk level: Very High
You live in California, where disposable vapes are banned (AB762). Any disposable you buy is from an unregulated market — meaning it could be counterfeit, adulterated, or both. The safest path is a refillable pod system or an FDA-authorized product. See our California disposable vape ban guide for legal alternatives.
