Real vs. Fake Labubu: A Collector's Ultimate Authenticity Checklist

Labubu dolls became hugely popular around the world in 2026. These cute, rabbit-eared monsters won the hearts of collectors everywhere. But big popularity brings a big problem: tons of fake dolls. These fakes are often called "Lafufus." They can look very real. This guide will help you tell a real Labubu from a fake one. Buying a labubu doll fake is disappointing. It can also be risky since unsafe toys are raising serious safety concerns. We will give you the knowledge to protect your collection and your money.

Key Takeaways

· Evaluate the Cost and Seller: Very low prices raise an alarm. Purchase only through reputable sellers who have positive feedback.

· Look at the Packaging: Original boxes have a matte finish, soft colors, and a shiny sticker while fakes are mostly glossy and written text is often blurry.

· Check the Number of Teeth: A real Labubu will always have exactly nine sharp, triangle teeth, which is one of the best ways to distinguish it.

· The Touch Test: Real Labubus have fur that is soft and thick, while their faces are smooth and matte. Fakes are rough to the touch, and the facial area may be shiny plastic.

· Opt for Advanced Methods: Scan the QR-Code, check the official website of POP MART and use UV light on newer models to discover hidden security features.

· Be Aware of Frauds: A true box can hold a fake figure; always check the figure not only the box.

The First Line of Defense: Quick Checks Before You Buy

Before you click "buy," you can spot many fakes. These quick checks will help you avoid a bad purchase from the start. Protecting yourself from a labubu doll fake begins with being a smart shopper.

Look at the Price

The first rule of collecting is simple: if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Real Labubu dolls have a set price and a normal resale value. If you see a brand new Labubu for much less than its market price, it is almost surely a fake. Fake makers use low prices to trick buyers who don't know better.

Check the Seller

Where you buy matters. When shopping on sites like eBay, Amazon, or social media, always check the seller's profile. A good seller will have a long history of happy reviews. Be careful with sellers who have new accounts, no feedback, or use only stock photos.

Here are some seller warning signs:

· The account was made very recently.

· There are no reviews or very few buyer reviews.

· The seller uses only official POP MART stock photos, not pictures of the real item.

· They list many items far below the normal market value.

· The item description is unclear or has many spelling mistakes.

Look at Listing Photos

Photos can tell you a lot. Ask yourself if the pictures show the real doll you will get. If the listing only has blurry or professional stock images, be careful. Ask the seller for more photos showing the doll and its box from all angles. Even in photos, you might spot signs of a fake Labubu doll, like a shiny box or messy paint.

The In-Hand Inspection: A 7-Point Authenticity Deep Dive

Once you have the doll in your hands, it's time for a detailed check. This is where you can confirm if you have a real treasure or a clever fake. Use this table to compare a real Labubu to a common labubu doll fake, or "Lafufu."

Feature	Authentic Labubu	Fake Labubu ("Lafufu")
1. Packaging	Matte finish box, soft colors, clear text, and an official shiny POP MART sticker.	Glossy or shiny box, too-bright colors, blurry text, and a missing or fake sticker.
2. Face & Expression	Smooth, matte face. Shiny, well-set eyes. Soft, airbrushed blush. A clear mischievous look.	Shiny or rough face. Dull, painted-on, or crooked eyes. Harsh, round painted blush.
3. Telltale Teeth	Exactly nine sharp, triangle teeth. They are well-defined with clear spacing.	Wrong number of teeth (more or less than nine). They look "gummy," messy, or poorly painted.
4. Fur & Material	Soft, thick, and high-quality fur. Stitching is neat and hidden.	Rough, thin, or cheap-feeling fur. Stitching is messy, visible, and may have loose threads.
5. Body & Feet	The body is well-shaped. Feet have clean prints of the POP MART logo or artist's name.	Body parts can be out of shape (e.g., big head, short neck). Foot details are blurry or missing.
6. Tags & Labels	High-quality fabric or paper tags. Text and logos are clear and spelled right.	Cheap paper or fabric. Spelling errors (like "Pop Martt") and blurry logos are common.
7. Inner Bag	The bag holding the figure is usually matte plastic with a clean Labubu logo printed on it.	The inner bag is often a basic, shiny, and crinkly clear plastic with no logo.

When you hold a real Labubu, the vinyl of the face feels smooth and almost soft to the touch. A fake often feels like hard, cheap plastic and can sometimes feel slightly sticky or oily. The fur on a real one is nice to touch—thick and plush. The fur on a fake is often thin, and you can easily feel the backing material underneath. One of the most important tips is to Count the teeth—authentic Labubus have exactly nine teeth. This detail is often missed by fake makers.

Advanced Verification: Unmasking Sophisticated Fakes

Fake makers are getting better. Some fakes are so good they can pass a quick look. Here are some advanced methods to find even the best labubu doll fake.

The QR Code Scan

Most new, real Labubus have a QR code on the box or on the doll's tag. You can scan this with your phone. However, do not stop there. Scammers can create fake QR codes that lead to fake websites. After scanning, check the website address in your browser. It must lead to an official POP MART site, such as m-gss.popmart.com. If the URL looks strange, you are likely on a fake site.

The Black Light (UV) Test

This is a great trick for newer series. POP MART has added security features that are only visible under ultraviolet (UV) light. As guides on How to Spot a Fake Labubu: 10 Telltale Signs point out, using multiple checks is key. Shine a black light on the doll. On some real series, a special seal on the foot or the paint on the nose will glow. Most fakes will not have this UV feature.

Beware the "Real Box, Fake Doll" Scam

This is a tricky scam that fools many people. A seller will take a real Labubu box and put a fake doll inside. They then seal it carefully. The box will pass all your packaging checks, but the doll inside is still fake. This is why you must always do the full check of the doll itself. The box is just the first step. In recent years, Pop Mart began adding more security features like carved tags to fight this issue.

The "Lafufu" Phenomenon: Are Fake Labubu Dolls Ever Okay?

You may hear some people talk about "Lafufus" with love. This section explores why some people knowingly buy a labubu doll fake and the risks involved.

What is a "Lafufu"?

"Lafufu" is the nickname the fan community created for a fake Labubu doll. The name sounds similar but signals that it's a knockoff. Some collectors even hunt for them on purpose.

The Appeal of Imperfection

Why would someone want a fake? For some, it is about price. Fakes are much cheaper, making them available to fans who cannot afford the real thing. For others, it's about the "so bad it's good" charm. Lafufus often have funny defects like crooked faces, extra limbs, or wild colors. Collectors find these mistakes funny and unique. Some fans also buy them for DIY projects to customize and repaint.

The Risks and Ethics

Despite the quirky appeal, buying fakes has serious downsides. First, none of the money supports the artist, Kasing Lung, or the POP MART brand. It only helps fake makers. Second, these toys are not regulated. They can be made with unsafe paints or materials. They are not tested for safety and can be a choking hazard. Finally, a fake Labubu doll has zero resale value in the official collector's market. It will never be a true investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What exactly is a "Lafufu"?

A "Lafufu" is the popular nickname given by the fan community to a fake or counterfeit Labubu doll. The name playfully copies the original while showing that it's a knockoff.

2. Do all authentic Labubu dolls have exactly nine teeth?

Yes, the nine-tooth grin is one of the most consistent design features of a real Labubu. While fakes are getting better, a wrong tooth count is still one of the most reliable signs of a fake.

3. I found a cheap Labubu doll. Does that automatically mean it's fake?

While not a 100% guarantee, a very low price is a major red flag. Real Labubu dolls have a standard retail and resale value. A price that seems "too good to be true" almost always is. Always combine price analysis with the other physical checks.

4. Can a fake Labubu come in a real box?

Yes, this is a known scam. Fake makers will get real, empty Labubu boxes and place a fake doll inside to trick buyers. This is why you must always check the doll itself, even if the packaging looks perfect.

5. Are fake Labubu dolls dangerous?

They can be. Fake toys are not subject to safety rules. They can be made with dangerous materials, use unsafe paints, or have small parts that come off easily, posing a choking hazard, especially for children.