You finally got one. That chaotic, serrated-tooth monster with the mischievous eyes is sitting on your desk, but something feels... off. Maybe the fur isn't as soft as the one you saw in a viral TikTok. Or perhaps the box looks like it went through a blender. It's a common panic. Given how Pop Mart’s The Monsters collection has absolutely exploded globally—thanks in no small part to Lisa from Blackpink posting her own collection—the market is flooded with "high-quality" knockoffs.
Honestly, the counterfeiters are getting scary good.
If you’re staring at your vinyl plush and wondering how do i know if my labubu is real, you aren't just being paranoid. You're being smart. Real Labubus, designed by Kasing Lung, are now investment pieces. Some of the rarer "The Monsters" series or the "Have a Seat" vinyl plushies fetch hundreds on the resale market. Don't let a scammer take your money.
The Scratch-Off Test: Your First Line of Defense
Every authentic Pop Mart product comes with a sophisticated security measure. Look for a holographic sticker on the side or back of the box.
It’s not just a shiny sticker. There is a scratch-off coating—much like a lottery ticket—that hides a QR code and a unique 16-digit serial number. You need to scan this.
When you scan it, the link should take you directly to the official popmart.com verification domain. Be very careful here. Scammers have started creating fake verification websites that look identical to Pop Mart's. Check the URL. If the domain is something weird like popmart-verify-china.net or some other jumble of letters, you’ve got a fake. A genuine code will tell you exactly how many times that specific number has been queried. If it says it’s been searched 4,500 times, you’re holding a mass-produced counterfeit.
The "Feet" Don't Lie
Flip that monster over.
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Authentic Labubu vinyl plushies have very specific markings on the bottom of their feet. On a real one, you’ll see the Pop Mart logo and Kasing Lung’s signature engraved cleanly. The font should be crisp. On many fakes, the lettering is blurry, shallow, or—and this is a dead giveaway—the "Pop Mart" text is missing entirely.
Also, look at the color of the paw pads. In the "Macaron" series, the colors are muted, sophisticated pastels. Counterfeiters often use colors that are slightly too neon or saturated. If the pink looks "hot pink" instead of a dusty rose, trust your gut.
The weight matters too. A real Labubu has a certain heft to it because of the internal skeleton (the "bones" that allow it to be posed). Fakes often feel hollow or exceptionally light because they use cheaper plastic and less stuffing.
The Fur and Stitching Nightmare
Let’s talk about the hair. Labubu is supposed to be a forest monster, but he shouldn't look like he has a skin condition.
Genuine Labubus use a high-grade synthetic fiber that feels soft, almost like a well-maintained stuffed animal from a high-end boutique. It shouldn't shed. If you run your fingers through the fur and you’re left with a handful of fuzz, it's a fake.
Check the seams.
Look specifically at where the vinyl face meets the plush head. On a real unit, that transition is tight. You shouldn't see big globs of glue or loose threads hanging out like a DIY craft project gone wrong. The stitching on the "Have a Seat" or "Fall in Wild" series is remarkably consistent. Fakes often have "bald spots" behind the ears or around the neck area where the fabric wasn't tucked in properly.
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The Smell Test (Yes, Really)
This sounds weird. Do it anyway.
Authentic Pop Mart figures are made from high-quality PVC and ABS plastics that have very little odor, or perhaps a faint, "clean" plastic scent. Fake Labubus often reek of heavy industrial chemicals or cheap rubber. This is because counterfeiters use low-grade, unregulated plastics that are often high in phthalates. If you open the box and the smell hits you like a chemical factory, keep it away from your face. It's not just a fake; it's potentially toxic.
The Box and "The Card"
In the blind box world, the card is almost as important as the figure.
- Card Quality: A real Labubu card is thick, high-quality cardstock with a matte finish. The colors should be vibrant but not oversaturated. Fakes often use flimsy paper that feels like a business card you’d get at a car wash.
- Typography: Look at the "The Monsters" logo on the box. Counterfeiters often mess up the kerning (the space between letters). If the 'L' and the 'A' in Labubu look like they're fighting for space, it’s a red flag.
- The Image: The character art on the box of a fake often looks slightly "low-res." If the image looks like someone took a screenshot of a website and printed it, it's because that's exactly what they did.
Why Does It Matter?
Besides the fact that you paid for the real thing, there’s the community aspect. Kasing Lung put years into developing the lore of Labubu and the Tycoco characters. Supporting the official release ensures the artist gets their due. Plus, real Labubus hold their value. If you ever decide to trade or sell your collection, a fake is worth zero. Actually, it's worth less than zero in the collector community—it can get you banned from trade groups.
Immediate Steps to Take Right Now
If you've realized your Labubu isn't the real deal, don't just throw it in the trash yet.
First, document everything. Take high-resolution photos of the feet, the fur, the box, and the failed QR code scan. If you bought it through a platform like Shopee, Lazada, or eBay, open a dispute immediately. Most of these platforms have buyer protection policies against counterfeit goods.
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Avoid "too good to be true" prices. If a "Fall in Wild" Labubu is retailing for $15 when the market price is $100, it is 100% a fake. No one is "cleaning out their closet" for an 85% discount on a trending item.
Check the hanger. If your Labubu is the pendant style, the metal ring should be sturdy and often has "Pop Mart" etched into the hardware. Fakes use generic, flimsy silver-colored rings that bend easily.
Final check: The teeth. Labubu’s signature is those nine pointed teeth. On a real figure, they are symmetrical and cleanly painted. If the teeth look like they’re "bleeding" into the lip area or the paint is chipped right out of the box, you’re looking at a counterfeit.
Verify the source, check the tags, and always scan that code before you toss the packaging. Protecting your collection starts with being a skeptical buyer.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Locate the QR code on your box immediately and scan it using the official Pop Mart verification portal.
- Inspect the hardware on any hanging plushies for the official Pop Mart engraving.
- Compare the "hand-feel" of the vinyl face to known authentic pieces; it should feel smooth and premium, not tacky or sticky.