The Federal Trade Commission is sending out more than $1 million to fully refund people who purchased deceptively marketed face masks during this time. COVID-19 pandemic, the agency announced on Monday.
FTC in April 2024 took action Against Razer and several affiliates over the production and sale of a “wearable air purifier” face mask called Zephyr. Starting in October of 2021, three sets of Zephyr masks and filters sell for $99.99; The Razer Zephyr Starter Pack, which includes 33 sets of masks and filters, retails for $149.99; And according to the FTC, a Razer Zephyr filter pack that includes 10 sets of filters sold for $29.99 Complaint,
“In the midst of a global pandemic, these businesses falsely claimed that their face masks were equivalent to N95 certified respirators,” said Samuel Levin, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. Said In those days. “The FTC will hold accountable businesses that use false and baseless claims to target consumers who make decisions about their health and safety.”
The FTC said checks or PayPal payments totaling about $150 were being sent to about 6,800 consumers who purchased products that were falsely advertised as N95s or N95 equivalents without being tested or certified.
According to the agency, people who receive a refund must cash their check within 90 days or cash their PayPal payment within 30 days. Consumers with questions about their payments can contact the Refund Administrator, Simpliuris, at 1-833-285-3003 or visit the FTC. website To view a list of frequently asked questions about the refund process.
The agency said the FTC never requires people to pay money or provide account information to get a refund.