Fake 'Lafufus' Are Flooding The Labubu Market – Here's How To Spot One
Chances are you’ve heard of Labubu by now – after all, celebs like Cher, Rihanna, David Beckham, Kim Kardashian, RuPaul (he dubbed his the “LaRuRu,” of course), and Dua Lipa have been seen with the toy.
Invented by artist Kasing Lun as part of his “monsters” collection, the little toothy creatures are most often worn as a bag charm.
Though “Blind Box” Labubu pendants can sell for less than £20, choosing a specific version of the grinning gremlin is more pricey – one on Pop Mart’s site will run you £164, while limited-edition collabs caused “Bedlam” at Art Basel and have sold for hundreds of thousands at auction.
No wonder fake Labubus, sometimes called “Lafufus,” have flooded the market.
This month, for instance, hundreds of fakes were seized in Ayrshire.
But why are the toys so popular, and how can you spot a fake?
Why are Labubus so popular?
Speaking to HuffPost UK previously, Mandy Saven, a content director at consumer trends publication Stylus, said, “The ‘lottery’ style of acquisition – what’s in my blind box? Will I get the doll I desperately want? – provides a hit of dopamine that consumers are craving.”
The limited runs and one-off collabs also provide “a sense of rarity and exclusivity.”
Then, there’s social media “hype” to consider – this “turbocharged the Labubu appeal, and then algorithms did the rest,” Savern told us.
Lastly, “Labubu can tap into consumers’ desire for nostalgia, reassurance and joy in these troubled times.”
In other words, Beanie Baby-style collector frenzies combined with TikTok virality and simply the toothy-chic appeal of the charms have made them popular.
How can I spot a fake Labubu?
According to business insurance comparison site Bionic, there are four signs a Labubu is fake:
1) Packaging quality
“Genuine Labubu figures come in high-quality packaging with sharp printing, embossed logos, and secure seals,” Bionic told us.
“Poorly printed or flimsy boxes are a major red flag.”
2) Finish and detail
“Authentic Labubu figures have clean, precise detailing and consistent paintwork,” Bionic continued.
Watch out for sloppy paint, uneven edges, or “off” proportions.
3) Branding and stamps
“Check for the official Pop Mart and Kasing Lung markings, including serial numbers or authenticity stamps typically located on the base or packaging,” the insurance experts added.
You should expect a “Pop card” with the character name and illustration, along with a QR code and serial number, in the pack.
4) Pricing
If the price sounds too good to be true, especially for a limited-edition Labubu, the pros say it’s likely a fake.
How many teeth does a Labubu have?
All real Labubus have exactly nine fang-like teeth.
If yours have more or less, that might also be a sign it’s fake.
Where can you buy an authentic Labubu in the UK?
Pop Mart’s official site is the most straightforward way to get a legit Labubu.
But the company also works with TikTok on their own shop, Which? shared, while the consumer advocacy publication says you may also be able to nab yours from the “Pop Mart Robo Shop pop-up on the fourth floor of Selfridges London.”
The brand has also opened a new flagship store at 262 Oxford Street in London, while Pop Mart outlets are also available in Manchester, Birmingham, London, and Cambridge.
The company’s official vending machines, also known as Robo Shops, are in London and Reading.
Pop Mart also has an Amazon storefront.
Sites like StockX and eBay verify sellers if you’re after a second-hand toy, which makes tracking any suspected Lafufus easier.