The government is advising caution regarding counterfeit Labubu dolls, as these imitations “pose a serious risk of choking and death to young children.”
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has sent out a warning about “Lafufus,” the internet’s name for the fake version of the popular plush toys sold by PopMart. The alert states that these knockoffs “break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards.”
Agency investigators discovered shipments of the counterfeits and have requested the seizure of thousands of these units for violating federal regulations.
Peter A. Feldman, the acting commission chairman, said that the fake dolls “have no place in American homes.”
“No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing,” Feldman stated. “Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers.”
Labubus are monster-like creatures made into plush dolls, often as keychains, which gained immense popularity over the summer. These toys typically come in a blind box, so consumers do not know which version they have until they open it.
People began posting unboxing videos on social media and Labubus were increasingly difficult to get as the little monsters became all the rage.
And as authentic Labubu prices went up on the reseller market, fakes also became more widely available.
Social media users noted that their “Lafufus” often broke, some with heads or eyes coming off the dolls entirely.
The CPSC provided advice on distinguishing fake from genuine Labubu toys. A real Labubu features a holographic Pop Mart sticker, and newer versions have a UV stamp on one foot.
Deep discounts can also be another red flag, along with the reliability of the sellers. The agency also urged consumers to look for choking hazard warnings and labels before they buy a product.
