An organization alleged to have fraudulently offered a face masks as N95-grade should refund greater than $1.1 million to clients nationwide, the Federal Commerce Fee introduced Monday. 

Razer and its associates marketed the Zephyr masks as N95-grade regardless of by no means submitting it for testing or certification by the Meals and Drug Administration or Nationwide Institute for Occupational Security and Well being, the company mentioned. In adverts and posts on social media, the Zephyr masks have been touted because the equal of an N95 that might shield customers from COVID, the FTC acknowledged in a grievance. 

“These companies falsely claimed, within the midst of a worldwide pandemic, that their face masks was the equal of an N95 licensed respirator,” Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Shopper Safety, mentioned in a assertion. “The FTC will proceed to carry accountable companies that use false and unsubstantiated claims to focus on shoppers who’re making choices about their well being and security.”

Beginning in October of 2021, the Zephyr masks and three units of filters offered for $99.99; the Razer Zephyr Starter Pack containing a masks and 33 units of filters offered for $149.99; and a Razer Zephyr Filter Pack containing 10 units of filters offered for $29.99.

A consultant for Razer could not instantly be discovered for remark. 

Razer and its associated companies are additionally barred from making COVID-related misrepresentations or unsubstantiated claims about protecting gear, the FTC mentioned. Along with overlaying full refunds to clients misled concerning the product they have been shopping for, the sellers can pay a civil penalty of $100,000.