Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon, Washington and Idaho are among 32 states that announced a settlement Thursday with sweepstakes giant Publishers Clearing House.

It's a $3.5 million agreement. Attorneys general accused the firm of misleading people into thinking they needed to buy something to enter the company's multi-million dollar giveaways.

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger says Publishers Clearing House will be monitored closely to make sure they're obeying the terms of the settlement.

John Kroger: "What we've done as part of this agreement is require them to create an independent ombudsperson to view all of their mailings and communications with consumers and make sure that it's made extremely clear that you can participate in the sweepstakes, enter the sweepstakes, without buying anything and that your chances won't improve if you buy something."

The company did not admit to wrongdoing in making the settlement.

Oregon's share of the money is $330,000. Idaho's share is $40,000. Washington's share is still to be determined.