The Federal Trade Commission announced Monday that it will refund a total amount of $1 million to people who purchased face masks that were deceptively advertised during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
In April 2024, the FTC acted to take action on behalf of Razer and its affiliates for their production and sales of a “wearable” air purifier face mask named Zephyr. According to the FTC’s Complaint, starting in October 2021, the Zephyr Mask and three sets filters were sold for $99.99. The Razer Zephyr Starter Pack, which included a mask, 33 sets filters, and a Razer Zephyr filter pack, was sold for $149.99.
Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection, , said that “These businesses falsely alleged, in the middle of a pandemic worldwide, that their mask was equivalent to an N95-certified respirator.” The FTC announced that it would continue to hold businesses accountable that make false and unsubstantiated statements to target consumers making decisions regarding their health and safety.
The FTC announced that it would send checks or PayPal payments totaling approximately $150 to 6,800 consumers who bought products falsely advertised as N95, N95 equivalent, or similar without being tested or certified, as such.
The agency advises that people who receive refunds must cash their checks within 90 days and redeem their PayPal payments within 30 days. Simpluris is the refund administrator. Consumers who have questions regarding their payments should contact them at 1-833-285-3003. They can also visit the FTC website for a list frequently asked questions.
The FTC has stated that it never asks people to pay or give account information in order to receive a refund.
