Counterfeit toy dolls spark BBB alert: Recognizing phony products and potential hazards
A toy craze has taken over Durham, NC, with the popularity of Labubu's monster dolls. However, consumers are being urged to exercise caution when making purchases to avoid counterfeit dolls, known as Lafufus.
The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas has reported numerous scams involving counterfeit Labubus, with Alyssa Parker of the bureau advising extreme caution when buying the dolls on social media.
To help consumers differentiate between authentic Labubu dolls and counterfeit Lafufus, here are some key distinguishing features:
Teeth Count and Skin Tone
Authentic Labubus have exactly nine teeth and a peachy-pink complexion with slightly rosy cheeks. Lafufus tend to have paler skin and cheeks that may be bright red or orange, which is unnatural compared to genuine Labubus.
Tag Spelling and Footprint
The tags of authentic Labubu dolls clearly spell “POP MART,” while counterfeit Lafufus often show misspellings like “POR MAPT” on their tags. Genuine Labubus also have “POPMART” and a © symbol printed clearly on the doll’s sole, with the “A” in POPMART forming a large triangle and the © having a thin “C” with a thick circle.
Anti-Counterfeiting Features
The right foot of an authentic Labubu "Have a Seat" series doll shows a faint watermark visible when shaken or under UV light. Under UV illumination, genuine dolls reveal a sitting pattern with arms raised, and fluorescent paint makes the teeth and eyes glow blue-green. Packaging also includes invisible anti-counterfeiting ink that fluoresces UV patterns or “POP MART.”
QR Codes and Barcode Verification
Official Labubu packaging includes QR codes and barcodes that can be scanned on the Pop Mart website. However, be wary as some counterfeiters create fake verification websites.
Other Considerations
Beware of suspiciously low prices and unverified sellers, as fakes often enter the market through online scams. High-quality stitching and paint finish are signs of authenticity.
To ensure the authenticity of your Labubu doll, Pop Mart's website provides a step-by-step guide on verifying the doll using QR codes on both the box and the wash label.
Consumers are encouraged to check the reviews of the company before making a purchase and to verify the authenticity of the doll to avoid being caught out by counterfeit Lafufus.
When evaluating potential Labubu doll purchases, be aware that authentic dolls have nine teeth and a peachy-pink complexion with slightly rosy cheeks, while counterfeit Lafufus tend to have paler skin and unusual skin tones. Additionally, the tags of genuine Labubus clearly spell "POP MART" and have "POPMART" and a © symbol printed on the doll's sole, with the "A" in POPMART forming a large triangle and the © having a thin "C" with a thick circle. To confirm authenticity, scan the QR codes on the box and wash label provided with the doll on Pop Mart's website and be cautious of suspiciously low prices and unverified sellers.
