Fake “Lafufus” take over markets as fans struggle to find & afford Labubus

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The cult of Labubu has reached fever pitch and counterfeiters are cashing in.

The adorable mini-monster figurines by Pop Mart, a Chinese brand, have experienced a significant surge in demand due to high-profile endorsements by celebrities such as Rihanna, Post Malone, Dua Lipa, and Lisa from Blackpink.

Yet, this rapid ascent to global acclaim has unfortunately led to an influx of counterfeit doppelgangers, inundating markets under the misleading alias ‘Lafufu.’

Now, fans are struggling to track down the real deal.

Knockoff Labubus have clear differences

It’s widely evident that tourist shops and online retailers are openly peddling counterfeit Lafufus at affordable prices as low as $10. This is significantly cheaper than Pop Mart’s original price of $30, or even the exorbitant resale value where rare Labubus have been sold for an astonishing $5,000.

Introduced in 2019 as part of Pop Mart’s mystery box collection, Labubu, with its alluring blend of creepy and cute characteristics such as pointed ears, wide eyes, and a unique nine-toothed grin, has gained international recognition. However, it is this iconic design that some enthusiasts are using to identify counterfeits.

One collector, in fact, discovered what appeared to be a counterfeit item at a New York market, where the label read “Pbp Mabt” rather than “Pop Mart.” Another suspect piece lacked a QR code.

Others notice the shades of skin tone: genuine Labubus usually have a pale or peachy complexion, while excessively pink, orange, or yellow tones can be indicators of a counterfeit.

It’s come to light that Chinese authorities are now actively monitoring the situation. Just last month, custom officials confiscated more than 46,000 fake Labubu dolls. State-run media has issued a caution about an expanding illegal market, abusing fans and infringing upon intellectual property rights.

Despite the warnings, some buyers aren’t bothered.

Griselda Flores, aged 24, found the item fashionable and adorable, so she purchased a $20 replica for her son at a local store. Later, she confessed that she spent $76 on two authentic Labubus from an online Pop Mart auction and it took her an hour to obtain them.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but feel a tinge of admiration when I think about how the founder of Pop Mart has become China’s youngest billionaire. The demand for their products remains sky-high, and despite the challenges in keeping up with supply, they’ve managed to carve out a successful niche in the market. It’s inspiring to see such success stories!

As a dedicated gamer, I can tell you that the recent Lafufu invasion could potentially turn finding an authentic Labubu into a tougher and pricier quest than before.

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2025-07-18 01:18