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Title: FTC Provides Refunds for Purchasers of Razer's Exorbitant Zephyr Masks

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Title: FTC Provides Refunds for Purchasers of Razer's Exorbitant Zephyr Masks

If you thought you were securing top-notch protection by snagging an N95 mask from gaming giants Razer, you might be in for a refund. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a settlement with the company, setting aside a cool million bucks for those who shelled out for the Razer Zephyr, the infamous "N95" mask Razer peddled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In accordance with the agreement, the FTC will issue cheques and PayPal payments for full refunds to an estimated 6,764 unsuspecting consumers. The lucky buyers will have a 90-day window to cash their cheques or a 30-day window to accept their PayPal payments. The FTC will handle distribution based on records provided by Razer, so no need to file a claim.

This development marks the culmination of a surprising crusade against Razer, which came under fire for misrepresenting its Zephyr masks. Razer began marketing the masks in 2021, claiming the product was "FDA-registered and lab-tested for 99% BFE" and offered superior protection compared to standard disposable/cloth masks. The company's marketing pitch promised "replaceable N95 grade filters for maximum protection."

However, the FTC's investigation uncovered some significant shortcomings. Razer never officially submitted the Zephyr masks to the FDA or the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for testing, and they never earned N95 certification. Razer did conduct tests through a third-party contractor, but the results were less than impressive. The masks fell short of the 95% particulate filtration efficiency required for N95 certification.

Yet, Razer pressured ahead with marketing the mask as an N95, selling it for nearly six months in the latter half of 2021 and early 2022. Each mask set consumers back $100 before the product's withdrawal from the market amidst growing controversy.

Razer eventually notified buyers of the Zephyr's shortcomings after the fact, stating that the mask wasn't a medical device or N95-certified. Unfortunately, the company failed to alert these buyers that refunds were on the table, resulting in less than 6% of Zephyr purchases earning their money back. The FTC aims to correct this oversight with this settlement, offering a belated but much-needed reprieve for affected consumers.

To find out if you're entitled to a refund, check if you purchased the Razer Zephyr mask, then search for communications from Razer or the FTC regarding the refund process. If required, contact Simpluris, the refund administrator, at 1-833-285-3003, or visit the FTC's dedicated FAQ page for additional instructions. In any case, keep an eye on your mail for a potential cheque or PayPal notification.

The FTC's settlement with Razer opens up opportunities for consumers to seek refunds in the future, as the company misrepresented its Zephyr masks as N95-certified during the COVID-19 pandemic. With advancements in technology and regulations, it's essential for tech companies to ensure their products meet the necessary standards to avoid such misrepresentations and maintain customer trust.

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