A man from Lake George is accused of selling knockoffs of the wildly popular Labubu plush toys.
According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, 75-year-old Steven M. Solimanto allegedly sold counterfeit merchandise at the Casual Girl store inside the Wilton Mall. His arrest followed a complaint of counterfeiting, and investigators stated that the fake toys were valued at more than $1,000.
75-year-old Steven M. Solimanto allegedly sold counterfeit merchandise at the Casual Girl store inside the Wilton Mall. Photo: SCSO Facebook
Solimanto was charged with trademark counterfeiting. He was released on an appearance ticket and is scheduled to appear in Wilton Town Court.
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What is Labubu and Why the Craze?
Labubu is a collectible art toy created by Pop Mart, a company famous for its “blind box” toy lines.
They usually feature quirky, monster-like designs and colorful details, and, due to their limited-edition releases, Labubu plushies have become a global sensation.
Collectors love the thrill of not knowing which one they’ll get until opening the box, and rare editions often sell out instantly and resell online for much higher prices.
That hype, combined with the cuteness factor, has made Labubu one of the most sought-after collectibles of recent years.
How to Spot a Fake Labubu Plush
Labubus are everywhere. Here’s how to spot the fake ones.
Packaging: Real Labubus come in official Pop Mart boxes with sharp logos and barcodes. Blurry or misspelled packaging is a red flag.Tags & Labels: Authentic ones include Pop Mart tags, QR codes, or hologram stickers.Quality: Real plushies are made from high-end fabric and feature meticulous stitching. Fakes often feel cheap or look lopsided.Design: The eyes, horns, and ears should be symmetrical. Counterfeits often look “off.”Price: Genuine Labubu plush toys retail between $15 and $30. Anything much lower could be a scam.Source: Only buy from official Pop Mart retailers, licensed shops, or trusted online sellers.
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