If you're on the hunt for the latest hot toy, watch for fake websites and counterfeit products when shopping online.
Scammers often take note of current trends and pop up with websites and offers that seem too good to be true. Unfortunately, consumers are falling for their tricks.
What you'll learn:
- The signs of a counterfeit product or fake website scam.
- Examples of current scams targeting shoppers purchasing Labubus.
- Tips for how to spot and avoid counterfeit merchandise scams.
- Additional resources to help you shop safely online.
It seems like everyone is trying to get their hands on the latest trending toy, the Labubu. Scammers are taking notice and selling counterfeit merchandise or creating fake websites with no real products to sell.
BBB Scam Tracker has 71 reports and counting from people who thought they were purchasing authentic Labubus, but they turned out to be counterfeit, or they didn’t receive anything at all.
Several consumers have shared their experiences on BBB Scam Tracker:
“This company marketed on sites like TikTok stating that they are a confirmed site and seller for Labubus. I placed an order for my daughter’s birthday thinking I found a legitimate seller. To my surprise the site no longer exists; I only found this out after a month had passed without me receiving my purchased items…”
“I purchased 6 items that were advertised as 100% authentic PopMart Labubus. Shipping said it would take 7-14 business days; it took well over a month. In this time, I was in constant communication with [name redacted] asking for the status of my shipment and asking if this was a scam - they said it was in transit and it was not a scam…items received are knockoff counterfeit Labubu dolls, made in very poor quality...”
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission also issued a safety warning regarding counterfeit Labubu dolls, which can pose a danger to children due to their small size and the possibility of them breaking into small pieces that can become choking hazards.
BBB has tips for spotting and avoiding counterfeit products when shopping online:
- Shop from reputable retailers. If you’re shopping for toys, you want to ensure you’re getting the right products. Counterfeit products can lead to health and safety risks. Shop for toys at reputable retailers that you know and are familiar with. Check with BBB.org to read customer reviews and check BBB ratings. BBB Accredited Businesses follow BBB's Standards for Trust. You can find trusted online businesses by looking for the BBB Seal.
- Use caution when clicking on sponsored ads. You may come across an ad on social media promoting a sale on this season’s hot toy. Or, when doing an online search, you may see that the top search result is promoting a big sale. Scammers are taking advantage of sponsored or promoted ad spots on search engines and social media to trick online shoppers. Before you purchase anything online, always check that you are on a real and secure website.
- Be wary of too-good-to-be-true deals. If the product you want is extremely discounted, think twice before purchasing. Highly discounted merchandise is a red flag for a fake website or counterfeit products.
- Read customer reviews. It’s always a good idea to read customer reviews before making a purchase. If the website doesn’t show any, do an online search for reviews on other sites like BBB.org.
- Do your research. If you’re on an unfamiliar website, before you click purchase, do your research on the website. Do an online search with the website name and “scam,” or check to see if there are any reports on BBB Scam Tracker.
- Use secure and traceable payment methods. Credit cards typically offer additional protection if you are scammed. Be wary if the website you’re on asks you to pay with a peer-to-peer payment app.
If you’ve experienced a scam when purchasing Labubus or another toy, you can report it to BBB Scam Tracker to warn others.