The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against gaming hardware manufacturer Razer and its affiliates, ordering them to refund over $1.1 million to consumers for falsely advertising their Zephyr face mask as N95-grade.
The FTC made the announcement Monday through a press release, shedding light on the deceptive marketing practices that misled consumers into believing they were buying a high-grade protective mask amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Razer's Deceptive Marketing Practices
According to the FTC, Razer and its affiliates promoted the Zephyr mask as N95-grade without obtaining proper testing or certification from relevant authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
This misrepresentation was done through various channels including social media, where the mask was touted as equivalent to an N95 respirator, claiming to provide protection against COVID-19.
"These businesses falsely claimed, in the midst of a global pandemic, that their face mask was the equivalent of an N95 certified respirator,"Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said.
Levine reiterated the FTC's commitment to holding accountable companies that make false and unsubstantiated claims, particularly regarding products related to health and safety.
The FTC's investigation revealed that Razer began marketing the Zephyr mask in October 2021, offering various packages ranging from $29.99 for a filter pack to $149.99 for a starter pack containing multiple filters.
Despite the high prices and claims of N95-grade protection, the mask had not undergone the necessary testing to meet such standards.
Furthermore, Razer's advertisements misled consumers by stating that the Zephyr masks met NIOSH standards for N95 respirators, a claim that was never substantiated through official testing or certification processes.
This false advertising led to consumer confusion and potential risks as individuals relied on the mask's purported protective capabilities.
Company to Face $100K Civil Penalty
As part of the settlement, Razer and its related businesses are not only required to issue refunds totaling over $1.1 million to affected consumers but also face a civil penalty of $100,000.
This penalty serves as a deterrent against future deceptive marketing practices related to COVID-19 protective equipment.
While Razer has not immediately responded to requests for comment, the company previously acknowledged the issue and took steps to rectify it.
However, the FTC's investigation found that Razer only ceased its false advertising after facing negative press coverage and consumer backlash.
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