Fraudulent Labubu dolls are being peddled on sham online platforms by unscrupulous vendors, according to a warning issued by the Better Business Bureau.
Counterfeit Labubu Dolls: A Warning for Online Shoppers
In the world of popular Gen Z toys, the Labubu dolls have become a hot commodity. However, a growing concern surrounds the counterfeit versions of these small monster dolls being sold through TikTok livestreams and fake websites.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Cincinnati is urging consumers to be vigilant when purchasing Labubu dolls online. Anita Davis, Ad Review and Investigation Specialist at the BBB, advises verifying the seller and the source of the product to avoid falling victim to these scams.
One prime target for scammers, according to Safety Detectives, are TikTok livestreams. Consumers searching for "Pop Mart" on TikTok and selecting the "LIVE" tab will find multiple accounts claiming to be "Pop Mart USA" going live daily for up to 12 hours. These livestreams often push viewers to act quickly by using countdown timers and claims of restocks to sell counterfeit Labubu dolls, nicknamed "Lafufus."
Some buyers have reported receiving nothing at all or low-quality "Lafufus" after purchasing from these scam websites. To spot and avoid these counterfeit dolls, consumers should look for key signs such as:
- Teeth count: Real Labubu dolls have nine sharp, triangular teeth. Counterfeit versions often have a different number of teeth or shapes.
- Quality and finish: Genuine dolls have high-quality fur, consistent coloring, and stable limbs. Fake dolls may have wobbly limbs, overly bright or incorrect colors, and poor finishing.
- Authenticity marks: Authentic Labubu dolls carry a stamped authenticity mark on the bottom of their foot. Fakes lack this stamp.
- Small detachable parts: Fakes may have small parts like eyes, hands, or feet that can easily detach, posing choking hazards. Genuine dolls meet toy safety regulations.
To identify fake sellers and websites, especially on TikTok, consumers should beware of livestream scams and fake websites that mimic Pop Mart’s official site. These scammers may disappear after taking payment or deliver counterfeit dolls. Suspiciously low prices or huge discounts are also warning signs of counterfeit products or scams.
To avoid counterfeit doll scams, consumers are advised to buy only from official or authorized retailers, research sellers and websites before purchasing, use secure and traceable payment methods, and report suspicious sellers to local trading standards or platforms like BBB Scam Tracker.
More than 75 reports have been submitted to BBB's Scam Tracker tool regarding these counterfeit Labubu dolls. The Better Business Bureau of Cincinnati encourages consumers who have experienced a scam when purchasing Labubu dolls or other toys to report it to BBB Scam Tracker to warn others.
By carefully checking these distinguishing features and buying channels, consumers can minimize the risk of receiving counterfeit Labubu dolls.
- Consumers in Cincinnati should be cautious when purchasing Labubu dolls on social-media platforms like TikTok, as some accounts claiming to be "Pop Mart USA" may be selling counterfeit dolls, known as "Lafufus."
- When buying Labubu dolls online, it's crucial to verify the business's authenticity and check for key signs such as the teeth count, quality, authenticity marks, and small detachable parts, as scammers often sell counterfeit dolls with these issues.
