Government Warns Fake ‘Lafufu’ Labubu Dolls Pose Deadly Risk to Children

What appears to be a harmless toy could turn into a deadly trap. Authorities are sounding the alarm over counterfeit Labubu dolls — knockoffs sold under the name “Lafufus” — warning parents that these fakes contain small, detachable parts that pose a severe choking hazard. Officials caution that the toys could cost children their lives if they end up in the wrong hands.

The warning comes after consumer safety inspectors discovered large shipments of the imitation dolls being sold through online marketplaces and small toy shops across multiple regions. Unlike genuine Labubu dolls, which comply with international toy safety standards, the fake versions are poorly made, constructed with low-grade plastic and tiny accessories that can easily break off. Tests showed that the detachable pieces fit perfectly into a child’s windpipe, creating the risk of suffocation within seconds.

“These toys are hazardous,” said Karen Douglas, spokesperson for the National Consumer Product Safety Commission. “They may look cute and harmless, but the counterfeit versions do not meet safety requirements. If a child swallows one of the small parts, it could block their airway and prove fatal.”

Reports have already surfaced of close calls. In one case, a three-year-old girl in California nearly choked on a plastic ear that snapped off her Lafufu doll. Fortunately, her parents were nearby and managed to dislodge the piece before tragedy struck. In another case, emergency doctors in Texas treated a toddler who had inhaled a tiny accessory from a counterfeit toy. While the child survived, doctors warned that even a brief delay could have led to death.

Parents, unaware of the dangers, are often lured by the low price of the knockoffs. Genuine Labubu dolls, popular collectible figurines originally designed by the Hong Kong–based brand Pop Mart, can cost between $25 and $50 each. The fakes, however, are sold online for as little as $5. Their cheap price, coupled with colorful packaging that mimics the original branding, makes them especially tempting for budget-conscious families and gift-givers.

But authorities say the bargain isn’t worth the risk. “Counterfeit toys aren’t just a matter of intellectual property theft — they can kill,” Douglas stressed. “Parents must know that if they buy Lafufu dolls, they’re putting their children in direct danger.”

Consumer protection agencies across the U.S. and Europe are now coordinating efforts to remove Lafufu dolls from circulation. Customs officers have been instructed to seize suspected shipments at ports, while online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and AliExpress are being pressured to crack down on listings for the fakes. Despite these efforts, enforcement remains difficult. Counterfeiters often change names, packaging, and seller accounts to evade detection, creating a cat-and-mouse game between regulators and illegal distributors.

Experts in child safety note that the Lafufu scare is part of a broader trend. Each year, thousands of dangerous counterfeit toys enter global markets, many manufactured without oversight in unregulated factories. These products often use toxic materials, sharp edges, or — as in the case of Lafufus — small, detachable pieces that fail to pass safety checks. According to a recent report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), counterfeit toys now represent nearly 12 percent of all toy sales worldwide.

“This is not just about one brand,” said Dr. Michael Reyes, a pediatric emergency physician in New York. “Every holiday season, we see children rushed to the ER because of unsafe, fake toys. Choking is the leading cause of toy-related deaths in toddlers. Parents must be vigilant, especially with products that look too cheap to be true.”

The government’s warning urges families to purchase only from reputable retailers and to verify product authenticity before buying. Officials recommend checking for proper labeling, such as the CE mark in Europe or ASTM/US CPSC certification in the United States, and avoiding products with packaging that looks blurry, inconsistent, or poorly translated. Parents are also encouraged to report suspicious products to consumer hotlines so they can be investigated and recalled if necessary.

Meanwhile, genuine Labubu dolls, still popular among collectors and children, have been swept into the controversy. Pop Mart, the official manufacturer, released a statement clarifying that its products meet all global safety standards. “We are deeply concerned by the spread of counterfeit dolls marketed as ‘Lafufus,’” the company said. “These imitations are dangerous and undermine consumer trust. We urge buyers to check authenticity and only purchase from authorized stores.”

The emotional toll of these incidents is evident among families who have experienced near-tragedies. One mother in Florida described the panic of realizing her son was choking on a tiny plastic nose from a Lafufu doll. “He turned blue right in front of me,” she said. “I thought I was going to lose him. I’ll never buy another toy online without checking where it comes from.”

Consumer advocates are calling for stricter penalties against counterfeiters, including jail time and heavy fines. They argue that current laws focus primarily on intellectual property violations rather than child safety, leaving enforcement weak. “We’re dealing with criminals who are gambling with children’s lives,” said Lisa Howard, director of the Safe Kids Coalition. “The law must treat this as a public health crisis, not just a trademark issue.”

As the holiday shopping season approaches, the warning couldn’t be more timely. Parents searching for gifts are urged to think twice before clicking “buy” on suspiciously cheap listings. “One careless purchase can have irreversible consequences,” Howard added. “No toy is worth a child’s life.”

For now, the Lafufu dolls remain on the radar of both regulators and parents, a sobering reminder of the hidden dangers in counterfeit markets. What began as a trendy collectible has turned into a deadly hazard in its knockoff form, and the responsibility now falls on consumers to stay alert.

The government’s message is clear: beware of fake Labubu dolls disguised as Lafufus. Behind their cute faces and bargain prices lies a lethal risk. And unless buyers heed the warning, what should be a source of joy for children could instead become a tragedy no family should ever endure.