How to Spot Fake Manchester Cigarettes: A Practical & Caring Guide
Finding out you are bought fake cigarette is frustrateing and worrying.Not only do you feel cheated ,but also counterfeit smoke can be made with who-knows-what, posing extra health risks.Here’s how to check you Manchester cigarette fake or real.
Start with the Packing Quality and Detail (Look & Feel):
1.The Wrapper (Cellophane):
Real Deal: Feels smooth, thin, and glossy. The little pull-tab to open it should be a distinct, slightly raised “platform” shape. The seams (especially top and bottom) are sealed smoothly with heat, almost invisible.
Fake Alert: Often feels thicker, stickier, or dull. The pull-tab might be flat, missing, or just poorly shaped. Look for messy glue spots, uneven sealing, or wrinkles instead of clean heat seals.
Look for poor packaging quality such as incorrect spellings, odd fonts, discolored printing, or modified logos, which are common signs of counterfeit tobacco products.
Missing or incorrect health warnings or manufacturer details are a red flag.
2.The printing and box
- Authentic: Colors are bright and consistent. Text (e.g., “Manchester”) is clear and has no typos. The barcode (6297000189406) scans clearly. Note any subtle laser anti-counterfeiting markings—they should be spot on.
- Fake alert: Colors may look faded, smudged, or just “off.” Text may be blurry or have typos. The box itself may feel thin, or the flap may have creases or glue marks.
3.Check the Cigarettes Themselves (Touch & Look Closely):
Filters:
- Authentic: The filter is firm, pure white, and neatly cut. The paper where the filter meets the tobacco should be tight and flat.
- Fake warning: The filter may feel loose or spongy, slightly gray or dirty, or frayed at the edges. The seams may be messy or feel easy to break.
4.The Tobacco:
- Fake cigarettes often have an off odor or taste because they use cheap and sometimes toxic substances such as herbicides, metal fragments, sawdust, animal feces and other contaminants.
- Although illegal, Manchester cigarettes are not counterfeits of other brands, and their unique taste makes some smokers feel more like the real thing than other fake cigarettes.
5.Smoke and Burn:
- Real Smoke: Burns evenly. Smoke feels smooth (for what it is). Ashes are medium consistency and light gray.
- Fake Smoke: Burns unevenly (like paddling a canoe). Smoke tastes harsh, chemical, or stings the throat. Ashes are usually dark gray, crumbly, and fall off easily.