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Age verifications

Whitesoxfan2579

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I know just about all the online places that sell vape stuff now are required to do this. But, which system is the least hassle & least intrusive of the ones you've used so far? I'm not very crazy about providing all that personal info for bad folks to steal so might just be buying most of my stuff now from my semi local brick and mortar even if it does cost me a bit more. Are there any of the verifications systems that don't ask for all that info?
 

Huckleberried

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I've yet to use one, yet, but BlueCheck is the one asking for your last four of your SSN. Vera.....something, Veratad? I hear that one is less intrusive. As to others, I haven't seen their names posted.
 

Artemis

Gold Contributor
Member For 5 Years
My ex favorite vendor is using blue check which is worthless and invasive. They didn't even bother responding to my inquiry on their website. I'm done. So long Sweet-vape.com I will find another vape shop for my coil needs. It looks like ecig.com has EVS and I'll try them first.
 

Huckleberried

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My ex favorite vendor is using blue check which is worthless and invasive. They didn't even bother responding to my inquiry on their website.They are done. So long Sweet-vape.com I will find another vape shop for my coil needs. It looks like ecig.com has EVS and I'll try them first.
I know Discount Vapers uses the "V" one, if that helps you. They carry a lot of stuff, but not sure if what you need.
 

SteveS45

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Member For 5 Years
I just ordered from Sweet-Vape and no Blue or Versa age verification? I did see it pop up when I was looking for a coupon code but closed the page. Order is scheduled for delivery tomorrow.
 

marco67

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Any site can be hacked, even before 'age verification'. Why would a hacker even bother with a vape shoppe?
I work in a large bank, with layers & layers of military encrypted ya ya ya. We got hacked.
Don't give anything personal to anyone if you can avoid it..
 

nitsuj

Member For 3 Years
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Member For 1 Year
Here's what I've been wondering. When you go to some sites, they ask if you're over 18 and have you click yes or no. Other sites make you enter your birth date. Why the difference? And if either method is kosher, why would any site choose to have me enter my date instead of clicking yes? I'm all for burning as few calories as possible. I don't need to be typing in a bunch of numbers.
 

The Cromwell

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I will not buy from any site that asks too much personal info such as last 4 of ss or pic of DL.
If necessary all my hardware will come from China.
consumables do not require age proof except maybe for nic and I have a lifetime supply of that.
And I am 100% DIY.
 

mcol

Member For 3 Years
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ECF Refugee
Yes I agree, no Blue Check for me. Anyone that wants part of my ss# or
a selfie with my DL I will avoid. But.....I've also stocked up before all this
crap hit the fan. I'm still planning on buying monthly, but haven't since 8-8
as I'm just sitting back and waiting for reports of who is doing what.
 

JuicyLucy

My name is Lucy and I am a squonkaholic
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Yes I agree, no Blue Check for me. Anyone that wants part of my ss# or
a selfie with my DL I will avoid. But.....I've also stocked up before all this
crap hit the fan. I'm still planning on buying monthly, but haven't since 8-8
as I'm just sitting back and waiting for reports of who is doing what.

That has been my plan too. No post 8/8 purchases until I see how it all shakes out.

I think this SSN# BS took a lot of people who did not prep by surprise.
 

KDodds

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
ECF Refugee
I was about to purchase from a vendor last night and I was brought to an *independent* form which required last 4 SSN and my DL, DOB, complete address, cell, and email. For an Age Check? And I'm supposed to be comfortable with you storing this information on your servers based one-time, token based authorizations? No thanks. What scares me far more than places like Blue Check are guys who think their own storage is more secure yet who do not understand the concept of tokens. Never even mind that it's not third party, which I thought was a requirement. Gave me the willies right there.
 

nitsuj

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I'm not too worried about selfies with my license. I can block out anything I don't want seen, but I don't think there's anything private on there. Just my address, which I'm giving them anyhow. I'm not proud of being 5'10", but I don't care if my juice supplier knows I never made 6'. My ssn isn't on there. I think it's safe. (But understand why people would be reluctant to do it.)
 

Jimi

Diamond Contributor
Member For 5 Years
I aint ordering anything where I have to give any of that info. I had my cc # stolen in a vape shop hack I sure don't trust a third party having any of my info that's just one more risk.
 

Synphul

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
A number of places are dropping blue check. Vapewild dumped them, I got a fb post that v3 dumped them as well. I believe some others are also. I'm not sure if mbv is still using them or not. Vapewild and v3 both say that if people aren't comfortable verifying online they can call and speak to someone over the phone to verify and they may or may not even need a copy of id unless there's an issue. That any info they collect will be destroyed immediately after placing the order so there might be some trust involved there.

I don't know what they explicitly ask for as I've not ordered over the phone with either of them.

Not speaking for any vape shop but having worked in small businesses (brick and mortar) I know how shitty security can be. One place I worked for had a non secure pc system with a customer database that included all their information. Names, addresses, purchase history, special notes regarding their friends or family that did business with us also, credit card numbers kept on file include the 3digit code from the back of their card. They saw it as a means of convenience to simply say 'just put it on xyz card' and not have to dig out their info, I had enough info to pass through a credit card machine.

Other times customers would call ahead and leave their card number with the security code for payment and the habit was to jot it down on a sticky note and attach it to their work order and leave it in a file bin behind the payment counter. The office wasn't always occupied. Other employees and even the owner had a habit of just crumpling up the paper with the c.c. # and tossing it out until I got on them about liability and to get a damn shredder at the very least.

In other words no telling what actually goes on, especially at a clueless mom & pop shop. Just plain honest ignorance of the sensitivity of it and unaware of the risks involved to customers doing business that way. It's truly surprising more people didn't get ripped off and no one did that I'm aware of while working at that place. First they'd leave their c.c. info to be poorly handled for convenience of paying the bill, then they'd leave instructions to lock up their vehicle and simply place the key somewhere they could find it. Or leave the vehicle unlocked and the key hidden somewhere inside. Used to all but give me gray hair thinking someone was going to get their car stolen or credit card info jacked, that it wasn't Mayberry lol.
 

Whitesoxfan2579

Platinum Contributor
Member For 4 Years
ECF Refugee
Hopefully, by the time I need to reorder anything again the FDA will have gotten their heads out of their butts. If not, no biggie I'll just buy my stuff around here and pay the little bit extra. No problem.
 

mjag

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I want to place an order with a vendor who has been great but he uses bluecheck. I told him I will not do it and if he is willing to send the items usps with adult signiture required, you have to show ID that you are over 21.
I am waiting to hear back as this is the least intrusive.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Tapatalk
 

The Cromwell

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Hopefully, by the time I need to reorder anything again the FDA will have gotten their heads out of their butts. If not, no biggie I'll just buy my stuff around here and pay the little bit extra. No problem.
Lotsa luck with the FDA getting their heads out of their butts.
I sure am not counting on it.
 

Doots

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We do not use Bluecheck any longer due to several issues with them. We use a different method. No ss# needed and no DL most times not needed..
 
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Paratech

I forgot
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I will NOT be photocopying my DL for ANYONE for ANY reason what so ever.
If ALL vendor change to this method, I'll have an entire wall for of mods, tanks, hardware that'll eventually no longer have a purpose when I run out of coils and juice.
I'll quit vaping before I send a photocopy of my DL.

Most vendors DO NOT have the knowledge or capability to mange this type of PII.
Many don't even know what PII is.
I'm not trying to say anything bad about ANY vendor.
But this is MY choice to make and I'll stand firm.
 

KDodds

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
ECF Refugee
I will NOT be photocopying my DL for ANYONE for ANY reason what so ever.
If ALL vendor change to this method, I'll have an entire wall for of mods, tanks, hardware that'll eventually no longer have a purpose when I run out of coils and juice.
I'll quit vaping before I send a photocopy of my DL.

Most vendors DO NOT have the knowledge or capability to mange this type of PII.
Many don't even know what PII is.
I'm not trying to say anything bad about ANY vendor.
But this is MY choice to make and I'll stand firm.
Exactly this. No matter your internet storefront package, your tie in to CC approvals is secure nowadays, and token based, so if CC info is saved, it's as a token to send back to the clearing house, worthless to hacking entities. But now you want to store my personal information on your personal server? No thanks.
 

Paratech

I forgot
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I've seen where some vendors say "we do not store this" or "we delete it immediately"
PFFFT!!!
First, unacceptable.
Second, retrieving deleted data is less difficult than making the bacon pop and splatter on the wall behind the stove.
 

Doots

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We check a 3rd party database and that is it. Nothing is stored on our server. Nothing!. If we see you are of age that is it. We make a note that we checked and you passed. If we cant verify then a dl or id is needed but the number of the dl can be covered in the pic.. If FDA wants proof they can look at the same DB as we do.. We are not required to keep a copy, just check to see if you are old enough to send or mail to.

We cant make it any safer under present FDA rules.
If the lawsuits fail to stop FDA then everyone or most everyone will be closed in 2 years anyways including local shops. We will all be left with what we have or cig a likes. imho.
Because customs will stop anything coming from China.. They have already done so after Aug 8th.
 

KDodds

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
ECF Refugee
Funny, all my Chinese stuff is coming through fine and normal. I had some hold ups of domestic orders that week, but nothing since. I'm half-thinking of ordering a mod from FastTech or GearBest (these I usually always buy domestic) just to see what happens.

I will LMFAO if my lost (domestic, coming up on a month in transit) drip tips wind up as part of an FDA seizure. Ya gotta know the FDA or ATF grunt is like, "WTF? Why the f*** are we seizing tiny metal and plastic cylinders like bomb parts? My job sucks."
 

The Cromwell

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We check a 3rd party database and that is it. Nothing is stored on our server. Nothing!. If we see you are of age that is it. We make a note that we checked and you passed. If we cant verify then a dl or id is needed but the number of the dl can be covered in the pic.. If FDA wants proof they can look at the same DB as we do.. We are not required to keep a copy, just check to see if you are old enough to send or mail to.

We cant make it any safer under present FDA rules.
If the lawsuits fail to stop FDA then everyone or most everyone will be closed in 2 years anyways including local shops. We will all be left with what we have or cig a likes. imho.
Because customs will stop anything coming from China.. They have already done so after Aug 8th.
I got a FT pkg on about the 12th.
Another one is in route now.
 

hashtagvapemail

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I'm not too worried about selfies with my license. I can block out anything I don't want seen, but I don't think there's anything private on there. Just my address, which I'm giving them anyhow. I'm not proud of being 5'10", but I don't care if my juice supplier knows I never made 6'. My ssn isn't on there. I think it's safe. (But understand why people would be reluctant to do it.)

That's where we've come down. We don't like to have to take the picture of the DL, but what we've heard about bluecheck is not great either and I personally don't see where they add value. So we have it emailed in, and then we store it cross referenced for all future orders, and then we audit the cross reference list once every few months to make sure it's all up to date and we don't have any customers in the wrong bins.

That way we only have to ask for it once, it's only transmitted once, and we aren't wrestling with any custom integrated solution and its security issues or with a third party that we're trusting will handle your data carefully.

We have had a few people refuse to send in a DL, and we just refund them. Basically, if you're going to refuse to send in a picture of the ID and you're not buying to someone who personally knows that you're over 18, you can't buy from anyone in the states. Anyone who lets you won't be in business very long.

Third party verification of ID is also not required as far as I know, I asked about this specifically. That would be required under the PACT act, and the while the FDA considers ecigs, eliquid, mods, etc. tobacco products, their deeming decision does not change the definitions in the PACT act, it was particular legislation with particular language and the decision by the FDA does not carry the authority to change what that language means. That would take congress.

Pray that they don't because you'll watch almost every online vendor go under.

That's why we asked specifically early on, if they forced PACT compliance we were just going to shut the doors; it's virtually impossible for a small business to afford compliance the way I understand the requirements. The way we understand it, we can stay compliant and create minimal headache for our legitimate customers.

Oh, as an aside, we just shipped our first adult signature required package today. Shipping through the USPS cost 15$ for a medium sized order (5 bottles I think). We don't charge shipping, but it was to a regular customer we've had for a while, but who didn't send us a pic of the license (just didn't respond), so we went this route on this one until we can get a hold of them.
 

Breazy_Com

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Here's my take on it. Unfortunately the FDA has caused a lot of issues. It's going to take time to sort things out. It's ashamed that it's affecting good reliable vendors MAINLY in the United States ! Almost like putting a knife through your own people. Reality is we all have to deal with it. So here's the bottom line.......Do whatever makes you comfortable and works for you. That's Freedom of Choice ! (well that's becoming limited lol) For me personally I'm not to comfortable dealing with companies that don't answer and are very far away. Even at that the good ones your stuff is held up for weeks somewhere in their country. So here's another suggestion. Instead of complaining, if you find a company that suits your needs and they do the right thing then post good things about them so others can benefit. It don't have to be me either. It's any vendor that does the right thing and doesn't require much for the age verification. If this keeps up with the FDA buying vape stuff is going to end up going underground by people who see profit and don't care about legalities. Like dealers and people who sell illegal cigarettes.
 

Huckleberried

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Here's my take on it. Unfortunately the FDA has caused a lot of issues. It's going to take time to sort things out. It's ashamed that it's affecting good reliable vendors MAINLY in the United States ! Almost like putting a knife through your own people. Reality is we all have to deal with it. So here's the bottom line.......Do whatever makes you comfortable and works for you. That's Freedom of Choice ! (well that's becoming limited lol) For me personally I'm not to comfortable dealing with companies that don't answer and are very far away. Even at that the good ones your stuff is held up for weeks somewhere in their country. So here's another suggestion. Instead of complaining, if you find a company that suits your needs and they do the right thing then post good things about them so others can benefit. It don't have to be me either. It's any vendor that does the right thing and doesn't require much for the age verification. If this keeps up with the FDA buying vape stuff is going to end up going underground by people who see profit and don't care about legalities. Like dealers and people who sell illegal cigarettes.
Well said!! This is a seriously fragile time for vendors. I'm seeing doors shutting left and right. Well said, Breazy.

meryl_jlo_oscars_3208759a.gif
 

Breazy_Com

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Thanks Huck for the support. I was thinking (see the smoke coming out? Clouds lol) The members of the VU that had a vendor that they liked, and are no longer comfortable dealing with because of their age verification system, should send nicely worded emails to the vendor/owner. Why hammer someone you always dealt with and liked. I myself sent an email to Chuck at Sweet-Vapes urging him to change his system and I gave him some links to these threads. Chuck's a nice guy and I have had dealings with him and sweet-vapes and he always did right by me. So we should all pull together and try and make it as good as we can with what we can. I will say as places close the vendors that weather the storm and stay vigilant in the end will pick up extra business and do well (We hope). Hope everyone finds what they're looking for in a vendor so we can keep vaping !
 

Huckleberried

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Thanks Huck for the support. I was thinking (see the smoke coming out? Clouds lol) The members of the VU that had a vendor that they liked, and are no longer comfortable dealing with because of their age verification system, should send nicely worded emails to the vendor/owner. Why hammer someone you always dealt with and liked. I myself sent an email to Chuck at Sweet-Vapes urging him to change his system and I gave him some links to these threads. Chuck's a nice guy and I have had dealings with him and sweet-vapes and he always did right by me. So we should all pull together and try and make it as good as we can with what we can. I will say as places close the vendors that weather the storm and stay vigilant in the end will pick up extra business and do well (We hope). Hope everyone finds what they're looking for in a vendor so we can keep vaping !
Amen, sir.
 

Artemis

Gold Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Thanks Huck for the support. I was thinking (see the smoke coming out? Clouds lol) The members of the VU that had a vendor that they liked, and are no longer comfortable dealing with because of their age verification system, should send nicely worded emails to the vendor/owner. Why hammer someone you always dealt with and liked. I myself sent an email to Chuck at Sweet-Vapes urging him to change his system and I gave him some links to these threads. Chuck's a nice guy and I have had dealings with him and sweet-vapes and he always did right by me. So we should all pull together and try and make it as good as we can with what we can. I will say as places close the vendors that weather the storm and stay vigilant in the end will pick up extra business and do well (We hope). Hope everyone finds what they're looking for in a vendor so we can keep vaping !
I hope they reply to your email. I sent one from my account and I heard "crickets". No response. It's the first time a vendor has not responded to a question I had. (It was related to age verification). I already moved along since the lack of response.
 

Breazy_Com

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I hope they reply to your email. I sent one from my account and I heard "crickets". No response. It's the first time a vendor has not responded to a question I had. (It was related to age verification). I already moved along since the lack of response.
Yes all we can do is ask. If they don't respond or continue with a system that customers don't like then it's on them. I'm not trying to be a genius or anything, just trying to be helpful. Even with our system some people will not be able to be verified and asked for additional info. We try to work with everyone and if we can't then we just can't. But we are trying.
 

Artemis

Gold Contributor
Member For 5 Years
If I can find contact info for Mt. Baker, I'll definitely be dropping them an email to let them know they've lost a customer if they continue to use Blue Check.
I never tried mt baker but often wondered if Vapor Renu was the same (flavor profile). Vapor renu is owned by the same people who own flavorwest. I have tried vapor renu about 6 years ago.
 

budynbuick

Member For 4 Years
Hopefully, by the time I need to reorder anything again the FDA will have gotten their heads out of their butts. If not, no biggie I'll just buy my stuff around here and pay the little bit extra. No problem.


It would be nice if the fda had their heads up their butt but that is not the case as everything they do is 'calculated' for a certain result.
Keith
 

Whiskey

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
The shop I was in today, they say they are not allowed to touch it (any vape gear) before or after you purchase it, not one piece, tank, battery, nothing, just to hand it to you and take your money. So if you bring something back in to ask a question about the device or tank, it has to stay in your hands, I have no idea what that is all about.
 

Paratech

I forgot
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The shop I was in today, they say they are not allowed to touch it (any vape gear) before or after you purchase it, not one piece, tank, battery, nothing, just to hand it to you and take your money. So if you bring something back in to ask a question about the device or tank, it has to stay in your hands, I have no idea what that is all about.
While I appreciate the info from your experience of this vape shop, I do wish we had a "dislike" button.
Not because I disagree with what you said but because I don't like the things that are happening.
haha
 

KDodds

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
ECF Refugee
I, personally, have much more of a problem with sending a picture of my license. For instance, "we already know where you live". Uh, do you? Or do you know where I get my mail? Do you need to know what I look like if I'm not standing in front of you? Do you need to know the class? Whether I need corrective lenses? What color my eyes are or how tall I am? So I got one of those and blacked out all data except my name and date of birth. They shipped it, so I guess that's enough information.
 

Breazy_Com

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I, personally, have much more of a problem with sending a picture of my license. For instance, "we already know where you live". Uh, do you? Or do you know where I get my mail? Do you need to know what I look like if I'm not standing in front of you? Do you need to know the class? Whether I need corrective lenses? What color my eyes are or how tall I am? So I got one of those and blacked out all data except my name and date of birth. They shipped it, so I guess that's enough information.
Hey if our system can't verify you on it's own and we need additional info that's all we need. We tell everyone you can black out everything except your name and DOB. Trust me we really don't want anyone's info but there are new rules and they do have to be followed. Glad the vendor that you used did the same. I follow rules. I don't park in a handicapped spot or a fire zone in front of the store. Use directionals, stop at stop signs etc etc. Some people are simply rebellious and can't follow rules no matter how stupid they may seem. No one likes to be told what to do but if there wasn't rules there would be chaos in some circumstances. Glad also a lot of vendors are dumping blue check. Have a great day everyone !
 

Artemis

Gold Contributor
Member For 5 Years
I am livid with disgust right now. I tried ordering from vaporbeast. They have evs and could not verify me. Piss on this crap. I'll go back to smoking or just quit all this obsessive crap. Of course, I called them and got a answering machine. I told them to cancel the order because I don't want another person to have the ability of stealing my identity I will not send any info. It has happened before to me...this would be easy. Fuck it! Fuck it all!
 

KDodds

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
ECF Refugee
I am livid with disgust right now. I tried ordering from vaporbeast. They have evs and could not verify me. Piss on this crap. I'll go back to smoking or just quit all this obsessive crap. Of course, I called them and got a answering machine. I told them to cancel the order because I don't want another person to have the ability of stealing my identity I will not send any info. It has happened before to me...this would be easy. Fuck it! Fuck it all!
That's a little extreme, and definitely not an excuse to go back to smoking. Trust me, we all are very familiar with those convenient excuses. If it's just your driver's license, simply take the picture of your license. Then, in Paint, black out any information you don't feel comfortable sharing. Really, all they need is your name and DOB and, if they ask for a picture of you holding your license, then obviously, your picture.
 

Artemis

Gold Contributor
Member For 5 Years
That's a little extreme, and definitely not an excuse to go back to smoking. Trust me, we all are very familiar with those convenient excuses. If it's just your driver's license, simply take the picture of your license. Then, in Paint, black out any information you don't feel comfortable sharing. Really, all they need is your name and DOB and, if they ask for a picture of you holding your license, then obviously, your picture.
I'll just quit vaping. I'm going to wean myself off of it. I'll find a different vice.
 

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