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Warning Issued To Anyone Who Buys A Fake Labubu
A warning has been issued to anyone who buys a fake Labubu toy.
This warning comes as Labubu toys have surged in popularity, becoming a staple of ‘trinket culture‘ alongside items like Squishmallows, Jellycats, and Sonny Angels.
Whether clipped to backpacks, adorning shelves, or traded online, Labubus are now part of a booming market, one that has grown rapidly through social media and livestream shopping platforms like Whatnot.
However, there’s a major safety warning for those tempted to get into the trend via fakes.
Daniel Fisher, Head of Categories at Whatnot, told Tyla: “Labubu live sales alone have increased 300% month-on-month since March,” adding that the number of sellers has also doubled in that same time period.
But the craze isn’t just about cute aesthetics. Psychologists say these collectibles reflect deeper emotional needs.
Tracy King, a chartered clinical psychologist, explains: “On the surface, they’re fun and whimsical. But psychologically, they’re deeply symbolic: these objects offer small, accessible moments of comfort, control, and identity in an unpredictable world.”
For Gen Z, who came of age during the pandemic and face economic and environmental uncertainties, traditional life milestones feel out of reach.
“The old idea of the career ladder offered a sense of linear progression… But for Gen Z, that ladder has been replaced with something more like an escape room,” King said.
Collecting Labubus becomes, in a sense, a coping mechanism.
Dr. Daniel Glazer supports this, noting: “They redirect modest discretionary cash toward ‘micro-luxuries’ that deliver immediate control and joy.”
While some may dismiss this trend as immature, King disagrees.
She argues the trend is a psychological response to burnout and disconnection, not a fleeting fashion.
However, as the popularity of these toys surges, many are turning to counterfeits in order to access the trend, but this may not be the best idea.
Angus Trading Standards Officers have issued an urgent warning to consumers after hundreds of fake Labubu plush toys were seized from shops in Angus this week.
These counterfeit toys, officials say, pose a serious choking hazard due to their poor construction and loose parts.
According to a statement released on July 4, 2025, around 250 counterfeit Labubus were removed from sale in a single town.
None of the seized items complied with the U.K. or EU toy safety regulations, lacking required safety warnings and legitimate trademarks.
Officers said the toys were of visibly low quality, with components that could detach easily, posing a significant risk to small children.
“Consumers and businesses need to be aware that these counterfeit versions are dangerous,” officials warned, adding that investigations are ongoing and the issue is likely widespread across the U.K.
With influencers and pop icons like Dua Lipa and Lisa from Blackpink embracing Labubu toys, their popularity is only expected to grow.
But amid the trend, consumers are urged to buy responsibly and avoid counterfeits, especially if young children are in the household.
And if your Labubu is real, there has been another major warning issued about how you wear the trendy accessory.
A Labubu doll owner has issued a warning on Reddit, urging people not to wear their collectible dolls on bags due to safety concerns.
The owner explained they’re removing all their Labubus from their bags and keeping them ‘under house arrest’ after POP MART U.K. suspended sales due to increasing violence and hostility from scalpers in stores, which reached a ‘tipping point’ in Stratford, London.
The Reddit user, who lives in London, expressed genuine worry about their safety ‘just for carrying a toy’ and warned parents to prevent children from taking Labubus to school in case they’re attacked by thieves.
Other users shared similar experiences, with one person reporting that someone tried to grab their Labubu while walking through crowds in Covent Garden.
After such frightening events, the store told the BBC: “Although no POP MART employees have been injured, we’ve chosen to act early and prevent any potential safety issues from occurring.”
POP MART had previously announced the suspension of in-store sales in May, citing safety concerns due to long queues and high demand, though they recently advertised that the dolls are now ‘back.’
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