Razer fined $1.1M by FTC for misleading claims about glowing ‘N95’ mask effectiveness against COVID

The Federal Trade Commission has slapped gaming accessory maker Razer with a hefty $1.1 million fine for allegedly misleading consumers about the effectiveness of its Zephyr mask. The FTC claims that Razer falsely advertised the mask as being N95-grade certified during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the allegations, Razer has denied any wrongdoing and stated that it never intended to deceive customers. The company emphasized that it took proactive steps to notify customers, halt sales of the mask, and issue refunds more than two years ago.

Despite Razer’s defense, the FTC is not backing down. The commission is not only imposing the fine but also prohibiting the company from making any COVID-related health misrepresentations or unsubstantiated claims about protective health equipment in the future.

The FTC’s filing suggests that Razer deliberately misled consumers into believing that the Zephyr mask could protect against COVID, which was a major concern at the time of the product’s release in October 2021.

The order is currently pending approval from a District Court judge, but the message is clear – the FTC will not tolerate companies making false claims about health and safety products, especially during a global health crisis. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.