FTC Returns more than $14 Million to Consumers Deceived by Misleading Light Bulb Claims

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is mailing 499,105 checks totaling more than $14.4 million to people who bought Lights of America brand LED light bulbs.

The FTC sued Lights of America Inc., Usman Vakil, and Farooq Vakil for violating federal law by overstating the light output and life expectancy of their LED bulbs, and falsely comparing the brightness of their LED bulbs with that of other light bulbs.

A federal court ordered the defendants to pay $21 million to the FTC to provide refunds and banned them from misrepresenting material facts about lighting products. People who bought Lights of America LED light bulbs between 2007 and 2011, and do not receive a check, can apply for a refund at www.ftc.gov/lights. The deadline to apply for a refund is October 26, 2018.

Check recipients are receiving full refunds. The average check amount is $28.86. Recipients should deposit or cash checks within 60 days, as indicated on the check.

If consumers have questions about the refund program, they should contact the FTC’s refund administrator, Analytics Consulting LLC, at 800-419-4695.

To learn more about the FTC’s refund program, visit www.ftc.gov/refunds.