RALEIGH, N.C. (July 29, 2025) – The newest blind box craze has brought Pop Mart’s Labubus to the spotlight for consumers and scammers alike. The Better Business Bureau of Eastern Carolinas (BBB) warns of sham businesses advertising Pop Mart affiliation and fake Labubus for sale.
“Following a trend can be fun and exciting, but consumers should be aware that scammers are joining in selling counterfeit products,” Mallory Wojciechowski, president and CEO of BBB, said. “Be sure to research the product and where you are purchasing from to avoid losing out on money and fun.”
How the Scam Works
Counterfeit product sellers post listings online or stock the products in their storefront; these items are referred to as “Lafufus.” Online, fake product images and claims of official Pop Mart affiliation are often shared making it appear like you are buying the real thing. Customers find upon purchase that either they are sent a dupe or never receive anything at all. In stores, the counterfeit sits on the shelves; this likely plays into why most of the Labubu scam reports come from people purchasing from online retailers as they cannot use fake images.
BBB Tips for Avoiding Online Purchasing Scams
-Check out the website before making a purchase.
-Scamadviser.com can often tell you how long a website has been in operation. Scammers create and close websites regularly, so a site that has only been operating for a short time could raise red flags.
-Do an internet search with the company name and the word “scam.” This may locate other complaints about the site.
-Scrutinize reviews. Scammers frequently post positive reviews on their websites, either copied from honest sites or created by scammers. One trusted resource to check reviews is at BBB.org. Be aware, some review websites claim to be independent but are funded by scammers. Look at the bad reviews first. These are more likely to be real and can help identify scams.
-Keep a record of what you ordered. Make a note of the website where you ordered goods. Take a screenshot of the item ordered, in case the website disappears or you receive an item that differs from what was advertised.
-Pay by credit card. Credit cards often provide more protection against fraud than other payment methods.
Spotting the Fakes
There are differences between Labubus and “Lafufus” from their boxes to the figures themselves.
Legitimate boxes:
-Pale in color with a matte finish
-QR code that leads to the Pop Mart website
-Real Figures:
* Exactly nine teeth in their smile
* Faces should be a pale, peachy color
* UV Stamp on bottom of right foot on newer models
Reporting
If you have fallen victim to a scam or suspect one, report it to BBB’s Scam Tracker.
Fraud should also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
For more information, visit bbb.org.
About BBB of Eastern Carolinas
Better Business Bureau serving Eastern Carolinas is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 48 counties in North and South Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from over 5,200 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit BBB.org.
