How to spot a fake Labubu doll as urgent safety warning is issued

From designer handbags to perfumes, dupes are on the rise, offering a cheaper, similar alternative to an expensive designer item. But for those who have come across fake Labubu dolls, it seems dolls, not all fakes are worth the risk.

The monster-like dolls have gone viral thanks to social media trends and celebrity endorsements. The doll is originally made by Chinese toy manufacturer, Pop Mart and can sell for over £100.

Meanwhile, near identical dolls are being flogged for as little as £20, but while they certainly look the part, experts are warning that many of these fakes are dangerously made and pose a serious choking hazard for children.

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Counterfeit dolls were found by Trading Standard officers during a raid of two shops in London West End. They were on sale for as low as £20, at Essentials in Brewer Street, Soho and Snack N Gifts in Oxford Street, reported by Sky News.

How to spot a fake

While sometimes noticing the difference between a fake or a real item is hard - there a key red flags

Genuine dolls should come with:

• A holographic Pop Mart sticker

• A scannable QR code that links to the official website

• For newer versions there is a UV stamp on the foot

• Nine fang-like teeth

Meanwhile, counterfeits often have:

• Loose stitching or poor quality materials

• Odd-shaped faces, missing teeth or uneven colouring

• Misshapen limbs or twisted heads

• No QR code, missing stickers or recycled packaging

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Westminster City Council leader Adam Hug has spoken out about the incline in counterfeits. "There is a long history of counterfeiters trying to make a quick profit from the fad toy of the moment, but the Labubu fakes we found could prove a costly error,” he said.

"They are badly made and, like all counterfeits, have a habit of falling to pieces quite quickly. However, the real danger is the fact the eyes and feet come off with little effort - if a toddler picks them up and swallows them, the results could be fatal."

The items discovered during the recent race had missing or non-compliant labelling, the feet were easily detached and the eyes popped out - making it an offence under toy safety regulations.

While for some people it’s more cost effective to buy a dupe, the majority are not harmless and when being played with by children - it’s not the worth taking shortcuts. If you are intending to buy the real item, opt for known brands and always check the packaging.

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