How to Spot a Fake Labubu (And How to Avoid Them Completely)

Labubu figures from the Pop Mart and The Monsters collection are becoming increasingly valuable in the world of collectibles. Unfortunately, this also means that fakes are on the rise, and some of them are becoming increasingly convincing. Similar to any exclusive, resellable item, such as Air Jordans, Dunks, or Supreme, Labubus are also facing the wrath of the fakes. With counterfeits being called Lafufus, in an attempt to sugarcoat the pain of copping such a big fat L! So, in this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to spot a fake Labubu, using simple but accurate checks. Whether you’re a collector or reseller, this will help you stay aware and profitable!

1. Packaging & Box Details

• Box Quality: Real Labubu boxes are sturdy with clean printing. Fakes often feel flimsy, with blurry graphics or artwork that is off-center.
• Color Accuracy: Fakes often have slightly off shades, especially in reds, yellows, and skin tones.
• Barcodes & Logos: Real Pop Mart boxes feature a scannable barcode and an authentic holographic sticker. Most fakes either skip it or use a low-res copy.
• Incorrect Series Information: Some counterfeit boxes mix up characters or display incorrect series names. (Example: Labubu box showing Zimomo art.)

2. Figure Quality: Material & Paint

• Paint Finish: Authentic figures have clean edges and soft color gradients. Fakes have rough outlines, paint bleeding, or overly shiny/matte finishes.
• Material: Real ones feel slightly heavy and soft to the touch. Fake Labubus are often too light, hollow, or plastic-like.
• Smell Test: A strong plastic/chemical smell? Most likely fake. Real Labubus barely have a scent.

3. Face & Eyes

• Eye Detail: Authentic Labubus have perfectly centered eyes with depth and gloss. Fake ones might have off-center pupils or dull finishes.
• Expressions: Watch out for minor changes in smile or eyebrow shape — even small expression differences can indicate a fake.

4. Size & Proportions

• Fakes are often a bit smaller, chunkier, or misshapen.
• Hands and feet are dead giveaways — fake claws look melted or uneven, ears are sometimes bent or mismatched, and feet may not sit flat.

5. Popular Fake Labubu Variants

Animal Costumes (Bunny, Dinosaur, Tiger)

• Texture is usually wrong — fake fur or scales look smooth or painted on instead of molded.
• Colors and patterns are often inaccurate.

Vintage or Camp Series Labubu

• These high-value figures are often counterfeited.
• Fakes tend to have duller colors, blurry eyes, and sloppy details on clothes or accessories.

Glow-in-the-Dark Labubu

• Real ones glow evenly after light exposure.
• Fakes barely glow or glow unevenly in patches.

6. Price Check: If It’s Too Cheap, It’s Probably Fake

When buying from third-party sellers (like on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or StockX):

• Always request close-up photos of the box, barcode, hologram, and the figure’s base.
• Beware of “unboxed” listings — fakes are often sold without packaging.
• Check the seller’s reviews and location. Counterfeits are often shipped from overseas sellers with vague listings.

Bonus: How to Spot a Fake Labubu From The Box!

A quick but effective test: how the box opens.

Real Labubu Boxes

• Open from the top, with a clean semicircle tab, you can easily lift.

• The flap opens with a smooth pop, using clean machine glue — no tearing.

• Inside, you’ll find:

  • A sealed foil blind bag

  • A collector’s card with matching artwork and name

  • Sometimes, a cardboard insert holding the figure upright

• The box stays structured even after opening — no collapsing or bending.

Fake Labubu Boxes

• Often glued too tightly or unevenly — flap tears or peels when opened.

• Some fakes use weird side openings or a pull tab that doesn’t match Pop Mart’s standard.

• Inside:

  • Missing card or a badly printed version

  • The bag may be thin plastic or resealable (Pop Mart bags are sealed once)

  • Box tends to bend, collapse, or feel “soft” after opening

The opening experience is a strong early sign. If the box feels off the moment you open it — that’s your first red flag.

Want to Avoid Fakes Altogether? Let NSB Do the Work

The most reliable way to avoid buying a fake Labubu? Buy it straight from an official source, as soon as it drops.

That’s where NikeShoeBot comes in. While NSB is famous for sneakers, it now supports collectible drops too, including Pop Mart and Shopify-based retailers that sell authentic Labubu figures. With NSB, you can automate checkout and secure your monsters before resellers do. And you can do that in bulk. So not only would you skip long storefront queues, but you’ll get a chance to buy multiples so easily!

That means no dealing with shady third-party sellers, no worrying about fakes, and no need to learn how to spot a fake Labubu.

Lafufus are out there — but now you know exactly how to spot them. So use this guide every time you buy, or let NSB handle it for you, so you never have to worry again.