‘Protect your children’: US officials warn of dangerous ‘Lafufus’ issue

A plush doll known for its toothy smile has surged in popularity in recent weeks, but U.S. officials are warning parents about counterfeit versions. The knock-offs of Labubu dolls, nicknamed “Lafufus” online, can break apart easily, creating small pieces that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says pose a serious choking hazard and risk of death for young children.

Counterfeit toys pose safety risks

The agency says the counterfeit dolls and keychains are being sold as if they were the real products. The CPSC advises that people should not buy the fake versions and should dispose of any they already own.

“These fake Labubu dolls are dangerous, illegal and have no place in American homes,” said CPSC acting Chairman Peter A. Feldman. “No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing. Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers.”

The CPSC said a shipment of the counterfeit toys was intercepted at a U.S. entry checkpoint. Officials determined the shipment violated federal safety regulations.

Real Labubu dolls become collectibles

Social media posts show some buyers reporting that the heads of their “Lafufu” dolls popped off, showing the boxes with a $5.50 price tag. Real Labubu dolls have become highly sought-after collectibles. Sold by the Chinese retailer Pop Mart, the dolls come in blind boxes that cost about $30 each, and buyers don’t know which monster they’ll get until they open it.

As the popularity grew, so did resale prices for Labubus. In some cases, they are being sold for hundreds of dollars, making way for fakes.

The CPSC said steep discounts can be a red flag that the dolls are fake. Officials recommend checking for a holographic Pop Mart sticker or a QR code that links back to the retailer.

Authentic Labubu dolls also have a wide grin with exactly nine teeth; too few or too many could signal a counterfeit. Buyers are urged to verify the seller and look for proper safety labels, including choking hazard warnings.

Counterfeits spread beyond the US

It’s not just the U.S. seeing these fakes. According to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute in the United Kingdom, they are seeing these knockoffs flood the market.

“Trading Standards teams have seized thousands of unsafe counterfeit Labubu dolls in recent weeks,” CTSI wrote. “In just one month, over 2,000 were confiscated from 13 retailers.”