SALEM, Ore. (AP) — A multistate investigation led by Oregon into whether Publishers Clearing House misled consumers about the chances of winning its sweepstakes has been settled for $3.5 million.
Oregon Attorney General John Kroger said the settlement filed Thursday in Marion County Circuit Court in Salem requires Publishers Clearing House to boost efforts to inform consumers that making a purchase does not increase their chances of winning.
Kroger said the company, which admitted no wrongdoing, also must hire an ombudsman to review mailings to ensure compliance with the settlement.
Other states participating in the settlement include Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
