Online advertiser ValueClick has agreed to pay a record S$2.9 million to settle a U.S. Federal Trade Commission complaint that it sent deceptive advertising claims in spam e-mail and failed to secure consumers’ sensitive financial information.

ValueClick subsidiary Hi-Speed Media used deceptive e-mails, banner ads and pop-ups to drive Internet users to its Web sites, the FTC said Monday. The e-mails and ads promised that consumers were eligible for free gifts, including laptops, iPods and gift cards. The ads included promises such as "Free PS3 for survey," and "CONGRATULATIONS! Select your FREE Plasma TV," the FTC said. ValueClick to pay $2.9 million to settle spam complaint - Network World