Beware of Labubu Toy Scams Targeting Thousands of Unwary Shoppers, Over 70 People Tricked
Published
- Labubu scams: The growing popularity of Labubu collectible toys has inadvertently triggered a surge in online shopping scams.
- Fake websites: Cybercriminals attempt to scam fans through deceitful schemes that either deliver poor-quality counterfeits or nothing at all.
- Reported victims: To date, over 70 people have filed complaints regarding sites impersonating Pop Mart, with reported losses of up to $500.
Cybercriminals exploit the Labubu toy’s massive demand and limited supply, luring unsuspecting buyers with counterfeit products, misleading sales tactics, and fraudulent websites. Victims, enticed by these offers, may receive poor-quality counterfeits or nothing at all.
Scam Tactics Unveiled
Labubu toy scams often originate from fake e-commerce websites that look professional, mimicking Pop Mart’s official branding, and social media ads claiming to sell limited-edition collectibles at heavily discounted prices.
According to a McAfee investigation, these counterfeit platforms mimic official branding, utilizing professional images and phrases like “limited stock” to create a false sense of urgency, and the most dangerous ones reported are:
- Kawaii Room
- Cult Neo
- Bubulands
- Bears R Us
- Labubu Fantasy
Scammers have also infiltrated TikTok live streams, pretending to be the authentic “Pop Mart USA” or “Official Labubu Store” with fabricated credibility through fake hosts, bots, and false countdown timers. Payment is frequently requested through non-secure methods such as peer-to-peer apps, making refunds nearly impossible.
Over 70 consumers reported being scammed to the Better Business Bureau, as the victims received counterfeit or no items at all, despite believing they were purchasing authentic Labubu toys that exploded in popularity due to celebrity endorsements from Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa and viral TikTok unboxing videos.
When complaints mount, these scams disappear instantly and resurface under a new domain name.
Implications of Viral Toy Fraud
The impact of viral toy fraud extends beyond monetary losses. Victims face compromised personal information, phishing attacks, and an emotional toll from falling prey to these schemes. Additionally, such fraudulent activities tarnish the reputation of legitimate sellers, undermining consumer trust in online shopping platforms.
Cybersecurity Tips for Shoppers
To avoid falling victim to online shopping scams, consumers should only purchase Labubu collectibles from verified sources, such as Pop Mart’s official website or certified partners. Always investigate unusually cheap deals and cross-reference domain names for authenticity.
Utilize secure payment methods like credit cards, which offer fraud protection and dispute capabilities. If you are scammed, promptly report the incident to relevant entities, such as the Consumer Protection Agency, and document the transaction details to support investigations.
In other news, TechNadu reported on scam online gaming websites targeting cryptocurrency users, some of which advertise fake Mr. Beast affiliations.
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