Labubu Central

As Labubu's popularity has skyrocketed, so have counterfeit copies flooding online marketplaces. These imitations, which collectors have nicknamed "Lafufus," range from obvious fakes to sophisticated copies that require careful inspection. The differences between real and fake Labubus can be subtle at first glance, which is exactly why scammers are successful. But armed with the right knowledge, you can spot the discrepancies that separate authentic Pop Mart figures from counterfeits.

This guide covers everything from packaging details to specific facial features that counterfeiters struggle to replicate accurately. We'll walk through each authentication checkpoint so you can confidently verify your next purchase.

Start with the Box

The packaging is your first line of defense. Authentic Labubu boxes have a distinctive matte finish that feels smooth to the touch. The colors are intentionally muted, borderline faint, which gives Pop Mart's official packaging its signature understated look. Fake boxes tend to be shiny, textured, and overly vibrant.

Pay attention to small details like the trash can symbol on the back of the box. On genuine boxes, the arrow inside the symbol has rounded corners. Counterfeit boxes often have square corners on this same arrow, which is a telltale sign of rushed production.

Important note: Some scammers place fake Labubus inside authentic boxes, so don't rely solely on packaging. Always examine the figure itself, especially when buying from resellers.

Check for a QR Code

Newer Labubus come with QR codes that, when scanned, take you directly to Pop Mart's official website with verifiable information about the specific figure in your hand. The QR code should be sharp and in focus, located either inside the box, on the box exterior, or on a tag attached to the toy itself.

Fraudulent codes often redirect to look-alike sites, lag for several seconds before loading, or lead to broken pages. If the QR code doesn't work or seems off, consider it a red flag. Some counterfeiters skip QR codes entirely, which is another warning sign.

Note: Early Labubu models didn't include QR codes, so older figures may be authentic without one. For those, rely on the other authentication methods in this guide.

Count the Teeth

This might sound odd, but it's one of the most reliable indicators. Every authentic Labubu has exactly 9 pointy teeth. If your figure has more or fewer teeth, it's definitively a counterfeit.

Even when counterfeits get the tooth count right, they often botch the execution. Look for distinct spacing between each tooth. There should be clear gaps. Fake Labubus sometimes have teeth that appear connected or painted with noticeable gaps between the teeth and the blue line of the mouth. The paint quality around the teeth should be crisp and clean.

Examine the Face

The face is where many counterfeits reveal themselves. Authentic Labubus have a pale, peachy-colored face with a smooth, matte finish. Fake versions often use more vibrant shades. You might see orange, bright pink, or yellow tones that don't match Pop Mart's color palette.

Pay close attention to the paint application. Real Labubus feature crisp paint lines around the eyes, mouth, and facial features. The eyes themselves should appear glossy and embedded into the vinyl material. Counterfeits often have sloppy paint work with bleeding, smudged lines, or eyes that sit oddly on the surface.

Check the Ears

Authentic Labubus have ears that point slightly inward, creating a distinctive silhouette. This subtle detail is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate accurately. If the ears stick straight up or point outward, you're likely looking at a fake.

Feel the Quality

If you can physically handle the figure before buying, the material quality is a dead giveaway. Authentic Labubus have soft, plush fur with seamless stitching. The overall feel should be premium. These aren't cheap toys, and the materials reflect that.

Counterfeits often feel hollow or flimsy when held. Authentic figures have a satisfying weight to them. They feel solid and balanced. If a figure feels as light as an empty can, that's a significant red flag. Similarly, if the fur texture feels rough, synthetic, or inconsistent, you're probably holding a Lafufu.

Inspect the Feet

Check the left foot for the Pop Mart logo stamp. This should be clearly visible and crisp. On newer models, there's also a stamp on the right foot that's only visible under UV light. This is another authentication feature that's difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.

If you see white patches, stickers, or any markings on the feet that seem out of place, proceed with caution. Authentic figures have clean, consistent foot details.

Consider the Size

Authentic Labubus have consistent sizing across their product line. A standard figure should be roughly as tall as the distance from the tip of your middle finger to your wrist. Knockoffs are frequently noticeably shorter, sometimes by an inch or more. If something feels off about the proportions, trust your instincts and verify using other methods.

Mould Lines and Seams

While all vinyl toys have mould seams, authentic Labubus have subtle, well-finished seams that don't distract from the overall appearance. Counterfeits often feature prominent, rough seams that are immediately noticeable. Run your fingers along the seams. They should feel smooth, not sharp or jagged.

Where to Buy Safely

The absolute safest way to avoid fakes is to purchase directly from Pop Mart's official stores or web shop. These sources guarantee authenticity and often offer the best prices for new releases.

Reputable authorized retailers like Blippo and specialty hobby shops that partner directly with Pop Mart are also reliable sources. When buying second-hand, choose sellers with established ratings, detailed photos, and positive feedback. Don't hesitate to ask questions about provenance, receipts, or request additional photos before committing to a purchase.

Red Flags in Pricing

If a listing's price seems suspiciously low, especially 50% or more below market value, be extremely cautious. While genuine deals do exist, especially for common figures, rare or limited editions almost never sell for a fraction of their market value unless something is wrong.

Research typical pricing using collector communities, price guides, or sold listings on platforms like eBay. Our Resources page maintains updated links to trusted marketplaces and current pricing trends.

Build Your Authentication Checklist

When examining a potential purchase, go through these checkpoints systematically:

• Packaging – Matte finish, muted colors, rounded corners on trash can symbol
• QR Code – Scans to Pop Mart's official site, sharp and focused
• Teeth – Exactly 9 pointy teeth with clear spacing
• Face – Pale peachy color, matte finish, crisp paint lines, glossy embedded eyes
• Ears – Point slightly inward
• Material – Soft fur, seamless stitching, solid weight
• Feet – Pop Mart logo on left foot, UV stamp on right (newer models)
• Size – Consistent proportions, height from fingertip to wrist
• Seams – Subtle, smooth mould lines

Leverage Collector Communities

One of the best defenses against fakes is the collective knowledge of experienced collectors. Join forums like r/labubu where members regularly post alerts about counterfeit listings, share side-by-side comparisons, and help authenticate questionable purchases.

When in doubt, post photos in these communities. Experienced collectors can spot details that might escape the untrained eye, and they're generally happy to help fellow collectors avoid costly mistakes.

Final Thoughts

Collecting Labubus should be fun and rewarding, not stressful. With careful inspection and a systematic approach to authentication, you can confidently build your collection with genuine figures.

Remember: the differences between real and fake Labubus can be subtle, but they're always present if you know where to look. Use this guide as a reference whenever you're evaluating a purchase, and when possible, handle the figure in person before buying. Your collection deserves the real thing, and with these tools, you'll know exactly how to spot it.