What started out as a cute bag charm accessory has turned into a worldwide phenomenon. Due to the limited numbers and huge queues to buy the charm, there is a surge in fake Labubu’s around
It feels like everywhere you turn you will spot a Labubu, but the curious and mischievous looking toys are now under threat. They’re quirky, wide-eyed and seriously in demand right now, which is why there are so many fakes knocking around.
Nicknamed ‘Lafufu’s’, fake Labubu’s are on the rise due to the original ones being impossible to get your hands on. The small collectable created by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung, in collaboration with Pop Mart, began as a niche toy and is now a global sensation.
With over 48 million Google searches in the last month, Labubu has created a thriving resale and collectables market. It has also opened the floodgates to fakes due to limited numbers.
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Google searches for “Labubu fake” have soared to nearly 500,000 (+98%), and searches for “Labubu fake vs real” have also seen a spike of 83% in the past month. So if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one, here’s how to spot whether it’s a Labubu or a Lafufu.
Thanks to business insurance comparison site Bionic this guide can help fans identify fake figures and explore insurance options to protect their Labubu from loss, damage, or theft.
- Packaging quality – Genuine Labubu figures come in high-quality packaging with sharp printing, embossed logos, and secure seals. Poorly printed or flimsy boxes are a major red flag.
- Finish and detail – Authentic Labubu figures have clean, precise detailing and consistent paintwork. Counterfeits often have sloppy paint, uneven edges, or incorrect proportions.
- Branding and stamps – Check for the official Pop Mart and Kasing Lung markings, including serial numbers or authenticity stamps typically located on the base or packaging.
- Pricing – If a listing is significantly cheaper than market value, it’s likely a fake.
It’s also risky for businesses to sell the fakes, but with the craze showing no signs of slowing down just yet, more and more shops have started stocking them. Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic said: “The rise in counterfeit Labubu figures doesn’t just affect collectors, it’s a serious risk to businesses as well.
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“Stocking or selling fakes, even unintentionally, can damage customer trust and hurt your brand reputation. That’s why it’s crucial to source responsibly and consider insurance to help protect against damage or theft due to insured events,” she explained.
Experts are also advising Labubu owners to insure their toys due to the rise in theft. Originally designed as quirky handbag accessories, they’ve now become so popular there are jokes about people handing over their entire bag to a thief, but keeping the Labubu’s.
Laura added: “If a personal item matters enough that you’d protect it over your bag, you should consider insuring it. Whether you’re a collector or casual fan, insuring your prized possessions helps offer peace of mind, especially as their value rises.
“If your own Labubu is particularly valuable, it could be covered under personal contents insurance or specialist collectables insurance, which could help protect against theft, loss, or accidental damage,” she said.
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