Labubu or Lafufu? BBB Warns Shoppers as Fake Plush Craze Sparks Global Lawsuits

In a trend that blends celebrity hype, viral unboxing videos, and a fiercely competitive collector market, Labubu plush toys have become one of 2025’s most sought-after collectibles. But as demand surges, so does a shadow market of counterfeits — known as Lafufu — prompting a warning from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and legal action from toy giant Pop Mart.

The plush phenomenon began with Pop Mart’s Hong Kong artist-designed Labubu, part of The Monsters series created by Kasing Lung. Sold primarily in “blind box” packaging, each sealed box contains one mystery plush, making the chase as thrilling as the toy itself. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga have flaunted the fuzzy figures, with some rare versions fetching more than $10,000 on secondary markets.

But popularity has a price: counterfeit versions have flooded online marketplaces, convenience stores, and even overseas shipping containers — and many buyers can’t tell the difference until it’s too late.

How to Spot a Real Labubu vs. a Fake Lafufu

The BBB warns that consumers are increasingly reporting Lafufu purchases made under the assumption they were authentic Labubus. In some cases, the packaging is so convincing that even experienced collectors have been fooled.

Pop Mart’s lawsuit against 7-Eleven, filed in California in July 2025, accuses the convenience store chain of “knowingly, willfully, intentionally, and maliciously” selling counterfeit Labubus. The complaint includes photographic evidence of distorted Lafufus with bulbous foreheads, misaligned grins, missing eyes, and, in one bizarre case, a Labubu head grafted onto a Sonny Angel doll body.

According to Pop Mart founder Wang Ning, the brand generated $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024, with Labubu sales alone reaching $418 million. The company says the scarcity of real Labubus — driven by limited runs and mystery-box sales — has made them an easy target for counterfeiters. (Source: Pop Mart court filings, August 2025)

Why It Matters for Collectors and Parents

The counterfeit issue isn’t just about lost profits. According to the BBC, many Lafufus are poorly manufactured and unsafe for children, with detachable eyes and feet posing serious choking hazards. Chinese authorities have seized tens of thousands of fake plush toys, while UK police have confiscated “hundreds of thousands” more at shipping ports.

The BBB says it has received over 70 complaints in the U.S. alone about counterfeit plush purchases from both online and physical retailers. (Source: Better Business Bureau consumer reports, August 2025)

For collectors, the presence of Lafufus in the market can devalue authentic pieces. For parents, the concern is safety.

Expert Tips to Verify Authenticity

Pop Mart offers an official authentication service on its website, where buyers can scan two QR codes — one on the blind box and another on the plush toy’s wash label. Experts recommend:

• Check packaging quality: Real Labubu boxes use premium printing with vibrant colors.

• Inspect stitching and proportions: Authentic toys have precise construction; fakes often have loose threads or misaligned limbs.

• Look for the QR code verification system: If it’s missing or doesn’t match the product, it’s likely a fake.

• Buy from authorized retailers only: Avoid deals that seem “too good to be true,” especially on marketplace apps.

(Source: Pop Mart authentication guidelines, 2025)

Lafufu’s Bizarre Fanbase

Ironically, some buyers actively seek out Lafufus for their quirky, “so-bad-it’s-good” aesthetic. Business Insider has reported that Lafufus have developed their own microculture online, where fans collect them for their distorted features and cheap price — often under $10 compared to $20 or more for authentic Labubus.

However, experts caution that this ironic appreciation can still fuel counterfeit production, ultimately harming legitimate creators and posing safety risks. (Source: Business Insider, May 2025)

What’s Next in the Labubu vs. Lafufu Battle

Pop Mart is aggressively pursuing legal action worldwide, including trademarking the word “Lafufu” in China to curb counterfeit sales. The BBB is continuing its public awareness campaign in the U.S., urging consumers to verify products before purchase.

As of August 2025, court proceedings against 7-Eleven are ongoing, and industry experts predict that the outcome could set a major precedent for intellectual property enforcement in the global toy market.

For collectors and parents alike, the message is clear: in the battle of Labubu vs. Lafufu, vigilance is your best defense.

You Must Know:

Q1: How can I tell if my Labubu is real or fake?
Check the packaging quality, stitching, and proportions, and verify QR codes on both the box and wash label through Pop Mart’s authentication page.

Q2: Why are fake Lafufus dangerous for kids?
Many contain small detachable parts like eyes or feet that can pose choking hazards, according to safety warnings from the BBB and BBC.

Q3: Why are Labubus so expensive?
They are sold in limited-edition blind boxes, creating scarcity. Celebrity endorsements and viral videos have also increased demand.

Q4: Where should I buy Labubu toys?
Purchase only from official Pop Mart stores or authorized online retailers to ensure authenticity and safety.

Q5: Is it illegal to buy Lafufus?
Owning one is not illegal, but selling counterfeit goods can result in fines, lawsuits, and product seizures.