FTC Orders Publishers Clearing House to Pay $18.5 Million for Misleading Customers
Publishers Clearing House (PCH) will pay $18.5 million to settle Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allegations of deceptive marketing practices targeting older, lower-income consumers. The FTC claims PCH misled consumers into believing purchases were required to enter sweepstakes or improved winning odds. Refunds will be automatically distributed to 281,724 affected consumers within 90 days. Despite bankruptcy, PCH maintains its sweepstakes operations, shifting its focus to a digital advertising model.
John Q. Hosedrinker