In a significant move for consumer protection, the Federal Trade Commission is set to allocate over $88,000 in refunds.
This compensation will go to more than 10,200 customers who purchased Pyrex measuring cups marketed in a way that misled customers.
This action stems from an FTC investigation revealing that a portion of these measuring cups marketed as “Made in USA” by Instant Brands was produced in China, despite claims to the contrary.
The controversy surrounding Instant Brands emerged in 2023 when the FTC charged the company with misleading advertising practices, per a release.
Investigators found that while Pyrex has long emphasized its American-made identity, the surge in demand for its products during the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the company to produce some measuring cups in China.
The FTC’s findings indicated that over 110,000 units of these Chinese-made measuring cup sets were sold to US consumers under the misleading “Made in USA” label.
As a result of the investigation, Instant Brands agreed to a settlement with the FTC.
It prohibited the company from making deceptive claims regarding the origin of its products.
In addition, it imposed a monetary judgment to compensate affected consumers.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The FTC will issue checks to 10,259 impacted consumers, with the median refund amount being approximately $8 per customer.
The agency advises recipients to cash their checks within 90 days, as indicated on the checks.
Each state has at least one affected consumer, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.
Consumers with questions about their refunds can contact the refund administrator, Simpluris, at 833-244-7320.
They also have the option to visit the FTC website for frequently asked questions regarding the refund process.
Importantly, the FTC clarifies that it does not require individuals to pay money or provide account information to receive refunds.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
MORE SETTLEMENTS
Thousands of dollars are available as part of a settlement with Acrisure, a financial technology and insurance brokerage company, over a 2022 data breach.
While Acrisure has not admitted wrongdoing, the company agreed to settle claims that it failed to implement adequate cybersecurity measures, compromising sensitive consumer information.
The settlement offers up to $4,000 for those affected by the December 2022 breach.
To qualify for payment, individuals must submit a claim form by November 14, 2024.
This, along with supporting documents like account statements, tax records, and fraud reports.
Claimants may also be eligible to receive compensation for up to four hours of lost time, reimbursed at a rate of $25 per hour.
In addition, two years of one-bureau credit monitoring and identity protection services are available.
