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Retailer Accused of Unfair Business Practices: Montgomery Ward & Co. used unfair business practices and false advertising to lure customers into stores in Orange County, according to a civil lawsuit filed by the Orange County district attorney. The suit, filed in Superior Court in Santa Ana, alleges that Montgomery Ward falsely told consumers that certain products were on sale for limited periods of time, when the sales actually lasted longer than indicated. The suit alleges that Montgomery Ward’s advertising was at times misleading because advertisements blended sale and regular prices. A spokeswoman for the Chicago-based retailer declined to comment.