WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about scammers targeting people trying to buy Labubu toys, one of the year’s most sought-after collectibles.
“Many people are desperate to get their hands on one but unfortunately scammers are selling counterfeit products or just setting up fake websites that never deliver anything,” said Tristan Gomes of the Better Business Bureau.
The warning comes as demand for the collectible toys has created a thriving secondary market, with some authentic versions selling for hundreds of dollars online despite an original retail price of about $30.
How to spot fake Labubu toys
Jaidah Anderson recently purchased her first authentic Labubu toys after seeing them on social media.
“I’ve always seen them like on TikTok all over social media. When I finally saw them, I’m like okay I have to get them,” Anderson said.
Toy collector and seller Shawn Hicks said there are several ways to identify counterfeit versions. Authentic Labubu toys have a red strip that pulls out completely when tugged, and the packaging is glued rather than taped.
“Tape on there, there’s a dead giveaway,” Hicks said.
Other authentication markers include a QR code on the packaging tags and specific details on the figure itself. Real Labubu toys should have nine teeth, an engraved tab and an artist’s name on the figure’s foot.
Secondary market considerations
Hicks said the secondary market serves a purpose by keeping prices down and meeting demand, as long as buyers know what they’re purchasing.
“Good luck finding a real one right now,” Hicks said.
For Anderson, authenticity matters for the full collecting experience.
“It’s better if they’re real,” she said. “They’re adorable, and they’re really soft actually. I wasn’t expecting them to be soft.”
The Labubu characters are part of a “Blind Box Series” sold by online retailer Pop Mart, though some physical stores also carry them. The collectible characters generated more than $419 million in revenue last year, with many influencers sharing unboxing videos online.
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