Labubu Craze Sparks Counterfeit ‘Lafufu’ Scare
The adorable collectible dolls have inspired a wave of counterfeits. Here’s how to make sure your Labubu isn’t just another “Lafufu.”
If imitation is the highest form of flattery, perhaps the greatest confirmation of a collectible’s value is the presence of fakes. Labubu dolls, the odd-looking elfin toys that have taken the celebrity, fashion, and collectibles worlds by storm, have reached that point.
Sold as blind box toys, so you don’t know which design you get until you buy it, from official retailer Pop Mart, Labubus sells out rapidly in limited-edition collections. This allows for a thriving resale market, where the toys can sell online for thousands of dollars. For example, an “Angel in Clouds” Labubu with fuzzy white fur and shiny silver eyes recently sold for $1,499 on eBay.
The thrill of the hunt and the chance of getting a rare design are part of the trend’s widespread appeal. Unfortunately, unscrupulous sellers take advantage of that by peddling fakes. Cheap counterfeits have been found across Europe. 370 fake Labubus were recently seized in North Ayrshire, Scotland. According to BBC News, the authorities’ concern was that the fakes had not passed safety regulations and could pose dangers to children, especially small loose parts that present choking hazards.
Fake Labubus are so well-known that they have their own nickname, “Lafufus.” A quick online search can turn up guides to spotting these fakes. One such website is Bestproducts.com. According to Best Products, there are several reliable clues to watch for. To begin with, authentic Labubus are packaged in a box with a smooth, matte texture and muted colors. Fakes are usually bright and glossy. As for the doll itself, an authentic Labubu will always have nine teeth. The face is a pale peach, never a bright orange or pink. Finally, from 2024 onward, an authentic Labubu has a stamp on its right foot visible under UV lighting.
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