WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission announced on May 1, 2025, that it is distributing over $18 million in refunds to 281,724 consumers misled by Publishers Clearing House (PCH). Following FTC action, PCH agreed to pay $18.5 million and overhaul its e-commerce practices to address deceptive marketing tactics targeting older and lower-income individuals.
The FTC’s complaint alleged that PCH deceived consumers by implying that purchasing products was necessary to enter sweepstakes or increase their chances of winning. PCH sent emails with misleading subject lines, suggesting they contained official documents like tax forms, prompting consumers to open them. Additionally, PCH imposed deceptive shipping and handling fees and falsely claimed that orders were “risk-free,” while requiring consumers to pay for return shipping to receive refunds.
Checks are being mailed to consumers who ordered products after clicking on deceptive PCH emails. Recipients must cash checks within 90 days, as indicated on the checks. For questions, consumers can contact Rust Consulting at 888-516-0774 or info@PCHRefunds.com, or visit the FTC website for refund FAQs. The FTC emphasized it never requires payment or account information to receive refunds.
In 2024, FTC actions resulted in over $338 million in consumer refunds nationwide. The Commission’s interactive dashboards provide state-by-state refund data, offering transparency on its enforcement efforts.