Oklahoma Moves to Make Sure Publishers Clearing House Not Misleading Consumers

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Attorney General moved Thursday to make sure Publishers Clearing House is abiding by an agreement not to engage in deceptive marketing practices.

Attorney General Drew Edmondson joined 33 states and the District of Columbia in filing a stipulated supplemental judgment with the sweepstakes company. It modifies the terms of a judgment filed in 2000.

Ten years ago, the state alleged that Publishers Clearing House mailed promotional materials designed to mislead consumers into believing that purchases would increase their odds of winning.

"We had reason to believe that PCH was not in full compliance with our prior agreement and that consumers could still be confused by the nature and language contained in some of the company's promotional materials," Edmondson said.

Edmondson says the updated agreement includes stronger provisions and conditions to ensure that consumers are not misled by the sweepstakes company's promotions.

Publishers Clearing House has also agreed to pay $3.5 million to cover the states' investigative costs. Oklahoma will receive about $40,000 under the terms of the agreement.