From Craze to Concern: How Counterfeit ‘Lafufus’ Threaten Labubu’s Popularity

For months, Labubu dolls—quirky, wide-eyed collectibles from Chinese designer toy company Pop Mart—have been the must-have item for fans and collectors worldwide. Their blind-box mystery packaging and distinctive design fueled a frenzy, with some editions selling out within minutes. But as with many viral trends, the craze may be showing signs of cooling—and counterfeit knockoffs, dubbed “Lafufus,” could be a major reason why.

The Better Business Bureau has issued multiple warnings after dozens of consumers reported being scammed when trying to buy Labubus online. Many unsuspecting buyers received Lafufus instead—cheap imitations that mimic the look but lack key details like the nine signature teeth, authenticity stamps, and QR-coded packaging that mark genuine Pop Mart products.

Beyond disappointing collectors, these counterfeits are eroding trust in the market. Some Lafufus have even been seized for safety concerns, with reports of poor-quality materials that could pose hazards. For parents and fans alike, the risk of being duped has made many more cautious about purchasing, dampening the once feverish demand.

While Pop Mart continues to innovate with new releases and verification tools, the shadow of Lafufu scams lingers. Whether the Labubu craze can sustain its momentum—or if it becomes another fad undone by counterfeits—remains to be seen.