FTC to refund more than 2,000 who bought Rite Aid cold medicine

The Federal Trade Commission today is sending more than 2,335 refund checks to consumers who bought Rite Aid Germ Defense tablets and lozenges they believed would prevent and treat colds or the flu.

The FTC accused Rite Aid and its supplier with false and deceptive advertising as part of its crackdown on companies that make unproven claims about cold and flu remedies. Under a settlement reached last year, Rite Aid agreed to pay $500,000 in consumer refunds to settle the FTC charges.

As part of the deal, Rite Aid consumers could submit refund requests for up to six packages of Germ Defense, either electronically or by mail by Jan. 30, 2010. The average refund check is $20.44, valid for 60 days from the date issued.