The FTC is sending 27,339 checks totaling $698,000 to consumers who purchased Oreck Corporation’s Halo vacuum cleaner or ProShield Plus portable air cleaner. The refunds are the result of the settlement of the FTC complaint alleging that Oreck’s advertising for the products made false and unproven claims for the products.

The Halo is an upright vacuum with an ultraviolet light that shines onto the floor while vacuuming. The ProShield Plus is a portable air cleaner that filters air particles using an electrostatic charge. Oreck’s advertising made a number of claims for the products, including that they could reduce the risk of flu and other illnesses, and eliminate virtually all common germs and allergens.

Under the settlement reached with the FTC, Oreck is barred from making any of the allegedly deceptive claims challenged by the agency unless it has competent and reliable scientific evidence to support the claims.