Labubu doll fan? Watch out for fake websites trying to scam you

Dubai: If you're a fan of Labubu dolls—the quirky plush collectibles that have taken the world by storm—here’s a word of caution: scammers are riding the wave of popularity with fake websites designed to steal your money.

According to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, hundreds of fraudulent online shops have sprung up, often posing as legitimate Labubu retailers. What makes it trickier? These scam websites are now available in multiple languages, allowing them to target a wider pool of unsuspecting buyers, including fans across the Middle East.

Labubu dolls, designed by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and sold in blind boxes by Pop Mart, are especially popular because of the surprise element—you don’t know which doll you’re getting until you open the box. The chance of scoring a rare or limited-edition figure has only intensified demand.

Since April 2024, hype around Labubu exploded, thanks to celebrity shoutouts and soaring resale prices—some dolls now go for $3,000 or more. But with high demand comes high risk.

“Scammers are using this frenzy to their advantage,” said Olga Altukhova, a Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky. “They set up websites that look legitimate and push limited-time offers to create urgency. But these sites are only meant to harvest your payment details.”

Many of these scam sites mimic the look and branding of Pop Mart, the official seller, offering fake discounts or "exclusive editions." Once you place an order and enter your card details, you could lose more than just your chance at a rare doll—you could lose your money or have your personal information stolen.