Here are some tips on how to tell if a Labubu doll is real or counterfeit. One sign that a Labubu is fake is the number of teeth in the accessory's design.

California

Consumers are being warned about a rise in counterfeit LeBooBoo plush toys and fake websites selling these products. Reports indicate that knockoff versions are being sold at various retail locations, including gas stations and convenience stores, and that some buyers have not received products after ordering online. 

PopMart, the official maker of LeBooBoo's, provides a verification process involving QR codes and hologram labels to confirm authenticity. The Better Business Bureau has issued a scam alert and recommends shopping from reputable retailers, being cautious with online ads, and using secure payment methods. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has also warned that counterfeit toys may pose safety risks, such as choking hazards. Consumers are encouraged to report suspected scams to the Better Business Bureau.

How to spot fake Labubus

I'm Alicia Smith with the Consumer Alert. Scammers are taking advantage of the popularity of these cute little plush toys called LeBooBoo's. They're creating fake websites and counterfeit products. These are real LeBooBoo's Jillian Nathan of Birmingham bought just this year. But the content creator, who's also a LeBooBoo reseller, says knockoff dolls are frustrating many shoppers. What are some of the places you found are trying to sell fake ones? I've seen a lot of gas stations, smoke shops, sneaker shops, convenience stores. Have you heard from people who are trying to collect these plush toys who have fallen victim to some of these scams out there? Yes, absolutely. Basically at least once a week I get photos from somebody via my Instagram or Facebook page about a LeBooBoo that they've unfortunately purchased somewhere and it's not authentic. So how can you tell a real one from a fake? PopMart, the maker of LeBooBoo's, has a step-by-step guide on its website showing how to check the authenticity of its products. You can scan QR codes or manually enter verification codes found on the packaging. Just look for the hologram QR code on the back. You see the bottom portion? Use a coin to scratch that off to get the verification code. Then when you scan it, it actually takes you to the PopMart website. On the bottom, click anti-counterfeiting verification and then plop in the code that you found when you scratched off the bottom there. I popped in a local party store to see for myself and found a couple of plush pendants for sale. I scanned one with the QR code on the wash label that led me to an oddly named website. The other LeBooBoo lookalike didn't even have a QR code to scan. The story was similar for a variety pack selling for $120 and this box that didn't have a QR code at all. The Better Business Bureau recently issued a nationwide scam alert about counterfeit LeBooBoo's and imposter websites. How many scam tracker reports has the BBB received about this? In the last couple months it's been about 70, I know over 70. Most of the examples from Michigan were people who placed an order and did not receive the product. Here are the BBB's tips for spotting and avoiding counterfeit products when shopping online. Shop from reputable retailers. Use caution when clicking on sponsored ads. Be wary of too good to be true deals. Read customer reviews. Do your research on unfamiliar websites and use secure and traceable payment methods like credit cards. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has also issued a safety alert about counterfeit LeBooBoo dolls. Some are small enough to fit in a child's mouth and block their airway or the lookalikes break apart easily releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards. How do you feel about seeing how many knockoff LeBooBoo's are out there? I think it's frustrating because I think it dilutes the brand. Jillian Nathan says she'll continue to educate shoppers on spotting the fakes. If you think you've experienced a scam when trying to buy a LeBooBoo product or another toy, report it to the Better Business Bureau scam tracker and I've added that link to this story on WXYZ.com. Alicia Smith, Scripps News Group.

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