How to Spot a Fake Labubu (aka Lafufu): Authenticity Tips for Pop Mart Collectors
As Labubu’s popularity skyrockets, so does the number of fakes on the market. Knockoffs—often nicknamed "Lafufu" by the community—may look convincing at first glance, but there are clear signs that separate the real from the replica.
Whether you're buying from Pop Mart, Amazon, or a reseller, here’s how to tell if your Labubu is legit.
🔍 1. Check the Packaging
Real Pop Mart figures come in branded, high-quality blind boxes with clear logos, barcodes, and foil packaging inside.
Red Flags:
- No Pop Mart logo or licensing info
- Blurry printing or off-colors on the box
- Missing foil inner packaging
- No authenticity QR code or QR doesn't work
- Tags don't mention The Monsters collection in product name
Packaging Quality
- Real: Crisp print, clean design, and high-quality cardboard.
- Fake: Blurry print, off-colors, misspelled text, or flimsy packaging.
- Look for Pop Mart’s official logo and serial number (usually on the bottom).
🖼️ 2. Compare the Face and Paint Details
Pop Mart figures are known for crisp paintwork, expressive eyes, and sculpted precision.
How to spot a fake:
- Uneven paint or dull colors
- Eyes that are slightly off or asymmetrical
- Cheap-looking plastic texture
Figure Quality
- Real: Clean paint lines, no smudging, good balance, and weighty feel.
- Fake: Sloppy paint, uneven seams, lightweight plastic, poor details.
🛠️ 3. Feel the Material Quality
Authentic Labubu figures are made with smooth, solid vinyl that has weight and a clean finish.
Fakes often:
- Feel too light or rubbery
- Have visible seams or poorly molded shapes
🧾 4. Verify Your Seller
Buy from trusted sources:
- Pop Mart official site or app
- Canvasandcharms.com (verified stockist)
- Pop Mart’s official Amazon store
Avoid suspiciously cheap listings or unverified resellers unless you can inspect the figure firsthand.
Price Too Good to Be True?
If it’s drastically cheaper than retail (under $10 for a new sealed box), be suspicious—especially from unverified sellers or random websites.
🔎 5. Look for the Authenticity Card (for some releases)
Many official Pop Mart releases include a collector card with the character’s name, image, and foil-stamped authenticity.
If it’s missing—or poorly printed—it may be a red flag.
Collector Card
- Every legit Labubu blind box comes with a collectible card that matches the figure exactly.
- Fake ones often come with no card or mismatched card design.
QR Code / Verification Sticker
- Real Pop Mart boxes often have a QR code or holographic authenticity sticker. You can scan it with the Pop Mart app or on their site.
⚠️ Common Lafufu Giveaways
- Box says “The Monster” instead of “The Monsters”
- Labubu’s face is distorted, especially around the mouth or eyes
- Paint smells strongly of chemicals or glue
- Price point is lower than official Pop Mart price level
🔍 How to Tell if a Labubu Is Real
1. Check the QR Code & Website
- Scan the QR code on the box. It should take you to an official Pop Mart verification page:
-
fwsy.popmart.comor m-gss.popmart.com- If it redirects to a sketchy or unofficial website — it’s likely fake.
2. Inspect the Box
- Real boxes have matte finish, clean logos, no spelling errors (e.g., "Pop Mart" not “Pob Mart”), and include a Pop Mart holographic sticker.
- Blurry printing or sloppy fonts = red flag.
3. Examine the Figure’s Face
- Exactly 9 teeth — evenly spaced and well-painted.
- Skin tone should be soft peach. Too bright or blotchy? Likely a fake.
- Under UV light, a real Labubu shows a hidden symbol (silhouette or signature) on the sole of the right foot.
4. Feel the Material
- Real Labubu figures are soft and plush, with clean seams and no strong chemical smells.
- Fakes often feel rough, overly glossy, or have visible glue and uneven lines.
5. Check the Foot Logo
- Look at the left foot: it should say “Pop Mart” in clean, sharp font.
- If the text is off-center, blurry, or the wrong font — fake.
✅ Quick Authenticity Checklist
| Feature | Real Labubu Should Have |
|---|---|
| 📦 Box | Matte, crisp printing, no typos |
| 🔗 QR Code | Goes to Pop Mart’s real site |
| 🦷 Teeth | 9, neat and evenly spaced |
| 🎨 Skin Color | Soft peach, not bright or uneven |
| 🦶 UV Symbol | Hidden symbol on right sole |
| 🧵 Material | Soft texture, no rough seams or glue |
| 🖋️ Logo on Foot | "Pop Mart" clear and sharp on left foot |
Final Thoughts
With Labubu figures selling out fast, fakes are bound to surface. But armed with a little know-how, you can spot the real deal—and avoid disappointment.
When in doubt, compare side-by-side images from Pop Mart’s website or community reviews. A true Labubu will always stand out in detail, charm, and quality.