Here’s How To Spot Fake Labubus AKA 'Lafufus'

Key Concepts:

• Laboos: Small plush toys manufactured by PopMart.
• Lfufus: Counterfeit versions of Laboos.
• PopMart: The company that produces authentic Laboos.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): An organization tracking scams and providing consumer advice.
• Scam Tracker: BBB's tool for reporting and tracking scams.
• Authenticity Stamp: A mark on genuine Laboos to verify their origin.
• QR Code: A scannable code on authentic Laboos packaging and wash label for verification.
• Holographic Sticker: A 3D sticker on authentic Laboos packaging with PopMart branding.

Laboo Counterfeit Scam Overview

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Scam Tracker has received 76 reports from consumers who believed they were purchasing authentic Laboos but received counterfeit dolls (lfufus) or nothing at all. This indicates a significant problem with counterfeit Laboos in the market.

Laboo Popularity and Counterfeit Market Growth

Laboos, produced by PopMart since 2019, have experienced a surge in popularity due to celebrity endorsements and viral TikTok unboxing videos. This increased demand has fueled a booming counterfeit market, with searches for "lfufu" increasing by 149% in the last month.

Seizures of Counterfeit Laboos

Customs offices in China seized nearly 49,000 suspected lfufus in recent weeks, as reported by USA Today. The Washington Post reported another 200,000 fake Laboo goods were seized in Yingbo in April. These seizures highlight the scale of the counterfeit Laboo production and distribution.

BBB Warnings and Recommendations

The Better Business Bureau advises consumers to be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true. They recommend the following steps to avoid purchasing counterfeit Laboos:

• Read Customer Reviews: Check reviews to assess the seller's reputation.
• Search the BBB Scam Tracker: Investigate new websites on the BBB Scam Tracker for potential scam reports.
• Use Traceable Payment Methods: Opt for credit cards instead of peer-to-peer payment apps for better protection.

Identifying Authentic Laboos

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

• Nine Teeth: Real Laboos have nine teeth.
• Specific Face Color: The face color is a specific shade unique to authentic Laboos.
• Authenticity Stamp: Authentic Laboos have an authenticity stamp on the bottom of their 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.
• Holographic Sticker: Authentic packaging features a 3D holographic sticker with PopMart clearly printed on the box.

Safe Purchasing Options

The easiest way to ensure the purchase of an authentic Laboo is to shop directly through the PopMart Amazon store or popart.com. These official channels provide advanced warning of new product drops, but the dolls often sell out quickly.

Conclusion

The Laboo counterfeit scam is a growing problem, driven by the popularity of the toys and the increasing sophistication of counterfeiters. Consumers must be vigilant and follow the BBB's recommendations to avoid purchasing fake Laboos. Verifying authenticity through specific features like the number of teeth, authenticity stamp, QR codes, and holographic sticker is crucial. Purchasing directly from PopMart's official channels is the safest option.