Fake Labubus Are Costing Customers Hundreds Of Dollars

Key Concepts:

• Laboos: Small plush toys made by PopMart since 2019.
• Lfufoos: Counterfeit versions of Laboos.
• PopMart: The company that manufactures authentic Laboos.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): An organization tracking scams related to Laboos.
• Scam Tracker: BBB's tool for reporting and tracking scams.
• Authenticity Stamp: A mark on the bottom of the foot of authentic Laboos.
• QR Code: Present on both the box and wash label of authentic Laboos, linking to a verification page.
• 3D Holographic Sticker: Found on authentic packaging with "PopMart" printed on it.

Laboo Counterfeit Market Surge

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker has received 76 reports from individuals who believed they were purchasing authentic Laboos but received counterfeit dolls (lfufoos) or nothing at all. Laboos, small plush toys manufactured by PopMart since 2019, have experienced a surge in popularity due to celebrity endorsements and viral TikTok unboxing videos.

Counterfeit Market Growth and Seizures

While some consumers unknowingly purchase counterfeit Laboos, others intentionally seek out lfufoos. The search for "lofufu" has increased by 149% in the past month. Customs offices in China recently seized nearly 49,000 suspected lfufoos, as reported by USA Today. The Washington Post reported another seizure of 200,000 fake Laboo goods in Yingbo in April.

BBB Warnings and Identification of Authentic Laboos

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. They recommend reading customer reviews, searching new websites on the BBB Scam Tracker, and using traceable payment methods like credit cards instead of peer-to-peer payment apps.

Alyssa Parker of the Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolina provided specific details to ABC7 on how to identify authentic Laboos:

• Nine Teeth: Authentic Laboos have nine teeth.
• Specific Face Color: The face color is a specific shade.
• Authenticity Stamp: An authenticity stamp is located on the bottom of the foot.
• QR Codes: Authentic toys have a QR code on both the box and the wash label, which directs owners to a verification page when scanned.
• 3D Holographic Sticker: Authentic packaging includes a 3D holographic sticker with "PopMart" clearly printed on the box.

Purchasing Authentic Laboos

The most reliable way to ensure the purchase of an authentic Laboo is to shop directly through the PopMart Amazon store or popart.com. These platforms provide advance warnings of new product drops, but the dolls often sell out quickly.

Conclusion

The Laboo craze has led to a significant increase in counterfeit products, resulting in scams and consumer disappointment. By following the BBB's recommendations and carefully examining the product for authenticity markers such as the nine teeth, authenticity stamp, QR codes, and holographic sticker, consumers can minimize the risk of purchasing fake Laboos. Purchasing directly from PopMart's official channels is the safest approach.