The highly sought-after Labubu toys have become a viral sensation, capturing the hearts of the internet and sparking a purchasing frenzy among enthusiasts, including celebrities like Rihanna, David Beckham, and KimKardashian. With their distinctive devilish toothy grins and wide eyes, these 'monster elves' are sold in 'blind boxes,' a clever marketing tactic that builds suspense as consumers only discover their specific doll upon unboxing. A single genuine Labubu doll can range in price from £13.50 to £211, depending on its rarity.

However, the immense popularity of Labubus has attracted unscrupulous dealers who are flooding the market with dangerous counterfeit versions, known as Lafufus, often selling for as little as £2.99. British authorities have issued urgent warnings to parents regarding these dupes, with hundreds of thousands of fake toys being seized. It is feared that many more uncertified counterfeits remain in circulation across the nation, posing significant risks to children.

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Experts have cautioned that these 'dangerous counterfeits' present serious health and safety hazards. Notably, Hull City Council's Trading Standards team has highlighted the choking hazard posed by poor-quality versions with small parts that can easily detach. Furthermore, councils in Scotland and Wales have reported instances of children falling ill after exposure to these unauthorized dolls. The Intellectual Property Office (IPO) emphasizes that these counterfeit toys are unlikely to have undergone the rigorous safety testing required for genuine products.

Amidst the proliferation of fake Labubus, authorities and experts have provided clear guidance on how to identify them. Key indicators of a counterfeit include matt packaging, as opposed to the glossy finish of originals. Fake dolls may also have more or less than the nine gnashers characteristic of authentic Labubus, or an incorrect mouth shape or size. The overall quality of a counterfeit is typically poorer, evident in wobbly limbs or odd colors. For newer editions, a definitive method to verify authenticity is to check for a UV-detectable seal on the right foot; under UV light, shoppers should see a silhouette of the specific Labubu model, a feature absent from fakes.

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UK Border Forcehas already seized over 100,000 counterfeit dolls, arriving in the country via fast parcels or air cargo. Helen Barnham, Deputy Director of Enforcement at the Intellectual Property Office, has stressed the urgency of the situation, noting how criminals are exploiting viral toy trends with speed. She strongly advises parents to prioritize children's safety by thoroughly researching products and purchasing only from trusted sources to avoid the risks associated with these potentially hazardous imitations.