The government is urging people to be wary of fake Labubu dolls as the knockoff versions "pose a serious risk of choking and death to young children."
The Consumer Product Safety Commission sent out an alert warning against "Lafufus," which is what the internet has dubbed the fake version of the popular plush toys sold by Pop Mart. It warns that the knockoffs "break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards."
Investigators with the agency identified shipments of the fakes and requested the seizure of thousands of units because of violations of federal regulations.
Peter A. Feldman, the acting commission chairman, said the fake dolls "have no place in American homes."
"No parent should have to wonder if a toy will stop their child from breathing," Feldman said. "Protect your children and buy only from reputable sellers."
Labubus are monster-like characters in the form of plush dolls, frequently key chains, that soared in popularity over the summer. The toys often come in a random assortment inside blind boxes, meaning consumers don't know which variation of the toy they have until they open it.
People began posting unboxing videos on social media, and Labubus were increasingly difficult to get as the little monsters became all the rage.
And as authentic Labubu prices went up on the reseller market, fakes also became more widely available.
Social media users said their "Lafufus" often broke, some with heads or eyes coming off them entirely.
The CPSC offered some tips on how to distinguish a fake from a genuine Labubu toy. One obvious feature is that a real Labubu has a holographic Pop Mart sticker and newer versions of the plushies have UV stamps on one foot.
Deep discounts can also be red flags, along with the reliability of the sellers. The agency also urged consumers to look for choking hazard warnings and labels before they buy a product.