Refunds for Oreck buyers for false claims

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WASHINGTON, May 23 (UPI) -- Oreck Corp. is providing refunds after allegedly making false or unproven health claims under a Federal Trade Commission settlement, officials say.

Consumers who bought the Oreck Halo vacuum will receive $25 for each item purchased, and those who bought the Oreck ProShield Plus air cleaner will receive an average of $24.65 for each item, FTC officials said.

Some 27,339 checks totalling $698,000 are being mailed by an administrator working for the FTC and consumers should begin to expect their checks during the week of May 21, officials said.

Eligible consumers were identified through sales records provided by the company.

Company advertisements allegedly made false and unproven claims that the Oreck Halo vacuum and the Oreck ProShield Plus air cleaner could reduce the risk of flu and other illnesses, and eliminate virtually all common germs and allergens, FTC officials explained.

"Consumers should carefully evaluate claims by marketers that their products can fight diseases," the FTC said in a statement. "For more information see the FTC Web site -- miracle cures -- at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/health/hea07.shtm."