Razer will have to pay $1.1 million for misrepresenting the performance and effectiveness of Zephyr masks

In the USA the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) revealed that the Razer will have to pay out more than $1.1 million in refunds to customers who purchased their face mask Zephyr.

A FTC claims that the Razer stated that the face mask used grade filters N95but that it never submitted them for testing and that it only “stopped the false advertising following negative press coverage and consumer outrage over the misleading claims.”

The face mask Zephyr was launched by Razer in 2021 as a cyberpunk-style alternative to traditional masks worn during the Covid-19 pandemic. A FTC claims that advertising for face masks Zephyr was misleading and that it was never tested.

Samuel Levinedirector of the FTC’s Office of Consumer Protection, stated:

These companies falsely claimed, in the midst of a global pandemic, that their face mask was equivalent to a certified N95 respirator. The FTC will continue to hold accountable companies that use false and unsubstantiated claims to target consumers making decisions about their health and safety.

The agreement proposed by FTC also requires that the Razer pay a civil fine of $100,000 and prohibit the company from making “false health statements related to COVID” and others “unfounded health claims”.

Who bought a face mask Zephyr In the USA you can therefore request a refund.

In declaration to the Gizmodo The Razer stated:

We disagree with the FTC’s allegations and do not admit any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. It was never our intention to mislead anyone and we have chosen to resolve this matter to avoid the distraction and disruption of litigation and continue our focus on creating great products for gamers. Razer cares deeply about our community and is always looking to deliver technology in new and relevant ways.

The Razer Zephyr is designed to provide a distinctive and innovative face covering option for the community. The FTC’s claims against Razer concerned limited portions of some of the statements relating to the Zephyr. More than two years ago, Razer proactively notified customers that the Zephyr was not an N95 mask, stopped sales, and refunded customers.