Missouri And Other States Reach Huge Settlement With Publishers Clearing House

Missouri is among 26 states that will benefit from a $34-million settlement of a lawsuit with sweepstakes giant Publishers Clearing House. In addition, the company will have to change the way it runs future contests. The settlement resolves several lawsuits, including one filed by Missouri in 1999. That suit alleged consumers often were misled by Publishers Clearing House mailings into believing they had won contests or that making purchases would enhance their chances of winning. Attorney General Jay Nixon calls it “a meaningful settlement that holds Publishers Clearing House accountable in ways they have never been held accountable before.”