The Federal Trade Commission fined Razer $1.1 million on Tuesday. The order alleges that the gaming accessories maker misled consumers by claiming that its eye-catching Zephyr mask was N95 certified.
“These companies falsely claimed that their face mask was equivalent to an N95-certified respirator in the midst of a global pandemic,” noted Samuel Levine, director of the FTC Bureau of Consumer Projection, in a statement. “The FTC will continue to hold accountable companies that use false and unsubstantiated claims to target consumers making decisions about their health and safety.”
As expected, Razer has defended itself against the commission’s claims.
“We disagree with the FTC’s allegations and have not admitted any wrongdoing as part of the settlement,” a company representative said in a statement to TechCrunch. “It was never our intention to mislead anyone, and we have decided to resolve this matter to avoid the distraction and disruption of litigation and to remain focused on building great products for gamers. Razer cares deeply about our community and is always striving to deliver technology in new and relevant ways.”
The company further noted that the complaint was indiscriminate, adding that it made every effort to refund customers and stop selling the Zephyr.
“The Razer Zephyr was designed to provide the community with a different and innovative face covering option,” it says. “The FTC’s claims against Razer involved limited portions of some statements related to the Zephyr. More than two years ago, Razer proactively informed customers that the Zephyr was not an N95 mask, stopped sales, and refunded customers.”
The FTC also officially bans the sale of the mask and makes “COVID-related health misrepresentations or unsubstantiated health claims about protective health equipment.” It goes one step further: “ban.”[ing] Defendants may not advocate the health benefits, performance, effectiveness, safety, or adverse effects of any Protected Goods and Services (as defined in the proposed order) unless they have competent and reliable scientific evidence supporting the established Support claims.”
The filing shows that Razer intentionally misled consumers into believing that the $100 mask would protect against COVID. When the product first launched in October 2021, the virus was certainly the center of attention.
The order is currently awaiting approval and signature by a district court judge.