FTC Fines Razer for Zephyr Claims

Razer fined by FTC over Zephyr mask claims

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Monday that international gaming peripherals maker Razer will pay more than $1.1M USD to provide “full refunds” to consumers in the United States who purchased its “supposed N95-grade” Zephyr face mask. The company will also pay a civil penalty under a proposed settlement with the FTC.

The order also bars Razer and affiliated entities involved with the Zephyr from “making COVID-related health misrepresentations or unsubstantiated health claims about protective health equipment” and requires them to pay a civil penalty of $100K.

The FTC said that this settlement is related to Razer claiming that its mask was “N95-grade” without submitting them for testing to the FDA or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and was therefore never officially certified. Further, the FTC said that “Razer only stopped the false advertising following negative press coverage and consumer outrage at the deceptive claims.” The Department of Justice filed the case upon notification and referral from the FTC.

The standard Razer Zephyr came with one Zephyr mask and three sets of filters for $99.99; the Razer Zephyr Starter Pack offered the Zephyr mask and 33 sets of filters for $149.99; and the Razer Zephyr Filter Pack contained 10 sets of filters, for $29.99. Razer began selling the mask in October 2021.

The Commission vote approving the complaint and proposed order was 3-0, with the proposed order settling the FTC case against: Razer, Inc.; Razer (Asia-Pacific) Pte., Ltd.; Razer USA, Ltd.; Razer Health Pte., Ltd.; and Razer Online Pte., Ltd.