Everyone who has ever fallen in love with those mischievous, pointy-eared monsters knows the sinking feeling: you’ve just spent $80–$400 on a “limited” Labubu, only to wonder minutes later if you’ve been scammed. In 2025, fake Labubus (nicknamed “Lafufus” by heartbroken collectors) have reached industrial-scale production. UK customs alone seized over 40,000 counterfeits in the first half of the year. The good news? Spotting a fake has never been easier if you know exactly where to look.
Here is no longer a matter of luck — it’s a checklist. Follow this step-by-step guide used by seasoned collectors, Pop Mart store managers, and even resale authenticators to separate the genuine Kasing Lung creations from the knock-offs.
1. The Box Test — Your First 10-Second Clue
Authentic Labubu packaging is quietly luxurious. Pop Mart invests heavily in print quality because the unboxing experience is part of the magic.
- Matte, velvety finish with soft-touch coating (never glossy or plastic-shiny)
- Colors are muted pastels; fakes scream with oversaturated neon tones
- All text is razor-sharp — no blurry edges, pixelation, or spelling mistakes
- A silver or rainbow hologram sticker (on the 2024–2025 series) that changes pattern when tilted
- A clean white serial-code sticker on the bottom or side with a scannable QR code
Pro move: Gently scratch the box with your fingernail. Real boxes have a premium laminated layer that doesn’t flake; fakes often leave white scratches immediately.
2. QR Code & Digital Verification — The Foolproof Step
Every official Labubu released after mid-2023 carries a unique QR code printed under the hologram or on the inner foil.
- Scan it → you should land on popmart.com or the official Pop Mart app
- Enter the 12–16 digit verification code printed next to the QR
- The site will instantly show the exact series, name, and rarity of your figure
If the link redirects to a sketchy domain, shows “page not found,” or asks you to download an app — it’s fake. Many collectors now refuse to buy any Labubu without testing the code in front of the seller.
3. The Famous 9-Tooth Rule
This single detail has saved thousands of wallets in 2025.
Open the mouth → count the teeth. Real Labubu: exactly 9 irregular, hand-painted teeth growing directly out of the blue gum line with visible gaps between them. Fake Labubu: usually 6–8 symmetrical teeth, often painted sloppily or missing the gaps entirely.
Hold the figure under bright daylight or a phone flashlight — authentic teeth have subtle shading and tiny brush-stroke texture.
4. Skin, Eyes & UV Secrets
Genuine Labubus have a signature “living” quality that cheap vinyl simply cannot replicate.
- Skin tone is a soft, peachy beige with a porcelain-like translucency. Fakes lean orange, bubble-gum pink, or chalky white.
- Eyes are deeply inset under a clear resin layer, creating real 3D depth and a tiny catch-light reflection. Fake eyes look flat and painted on.
- UV flashlight test (costs $3 on Amazon): Authentic Labubu noses glow bright turquoise under blacklight. Most counterfeits stay completely dark or glow a weak green.
5. Foot Check — The Hidden Signature
Flip the doll over. This is where many fakes completely fall apart.
- Right foot has micro-engraved text: © POP MART + Kasing Lung’s signature
- Under UV light, the same foot reveals a faint silhouette of the specific series pose (sitting, standing, etc.)
- Left foot carries the production year and a tiny CE/UKCA safety mark
- Vinyl feels soft and slightly flexible, never rock-hard plastic
Knock-offs usually have blank feet, misspelled text, or shallow stamping that rubs off with a fingernail.
6. Plush Versions — Extra Things to Watch(How to Tell If Your Labubu Is Real)
The 2024–2025 plush boom brought a new wave of fakes.
- Fur is ultra-soft, almost silky, and lies completely flat when brushed backward
- Facial vinyl is seamlessly glued with no visible ridges or excess glue
- Wash tag is thick card stock with rounded corners and a tiny embroidered Pop Mart logo on the reverse
- Genuine plush Labubus are surprisingly heavy (quality stuffing); fakes feel like empty pillows
7. Where You Buy Matters More Than Ever
Even perfect-looking fakes can fool the above tests if they’re “factory overruns,” but the purchase source remains the best filter.
Safe zones (2025): ✓ Official Pop Mart physical stores & pop-ups ✓ Popmart.com, Pop Mart app, official TikTok Shop ✓ Verified Amazon “Sold by POP MART Official” ✓ Reputable resale platforms with authenticity guarantee (e.g., StockX Toys, Pop Mart x Whatnot verified listings)
High-risk zones: ✗ Random Instagram/Facebook shops ✗ , Night-market stalls, and tourist gift shops ✗ , eBay listings with stock photos and zero feedback, ✗ “Bulk 10 pieces discount” Telegram groups
8. Community & App Double-Check
Still unsure? Let the hive mind help.
- Post clear, well-lit photos to r/Labubu or r/PopMart on Reddit — collectors will spot fakes in minutes.
- Use the free “Legit Check” feature in the Pop Mart app (upload five photos → AI + human review in <24 h)
- Join the official Labubu Collectors Discord — moderators run live authentication sessions every evening.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Hunt, Not the Heartbreak
The joy of Labubu collecting comes from the thrill of the blind box and the tiny imperfections that make each monster unique. When you know how to tell if your Labubu is real, every unboxing becomes exciting again instead of stressful.https://www.ndtv.com/
A genuine Labubu isn’t just a toy — it’s a tiny piece of Kasing Lung’s imagination, crafted with obsessive detail by Pop Mart’s team. The fakes might look cute from ten feet away, but up close, they lack soul.
Keep this guide bookmarked, share it with your collector friends, and never pay resale prices without running these checks. May all your future boxes contain sharp-toothed, glow-nosed, nine-tooth legends — and zero Lafufus.Arts and Entertainment