Romance Scam Prevention Act
The Romance Scam Prevention Act would require online dating service providers to notify members when they have received a message from someone whose account has been banned (a “fraud ban”). The notification must identify the banned member, indicate that the banned member may have been using a false identity or attempting to defraud, warn against sending cash or personal financial information, provide best-practice fraud-avoidance information, and give contact information for customer service. The notice must be clear and delivered within a defined time window (generally within 24 hours of the ban, with possible short delays for provider judgment or law-enforcement requests). The bill establishes enforcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with state-level parens patriae enforcement and creates a national standard to prevent conflicting state laws. It defines key terms and sets a date for the act to take effect (one year after enactment). The document notes that the House previously passed the measure on June 23, 2025, though the Senate status is not described here. In short, the bill aims to curb romance scams by ensuring victims are promptly and clearly informed when they interact with banned or potentially fraudulent members, while giving providers a federal enforcement framework and a uniform national standard.
Key Points
- 1Fraud ban notification to members: If you receive a message from someone whose account is banned for suspected fraud, the dating service must notify you with specific information and guidance.
- 2Required notification contents: The notice must include the banned member’s username or profile identifier, the last time you exchanged messages with that member, a statement about potential false identity/fraud, a warning not to send cash or financial data, fraud-prevention guidance, and customer-service contact info.
- 3Manner and timing: Notifications must be clear and sent by email, text, or other consented means. Generally within 24 hours of the ban, with possible up to a 3-day extension, and can be further delayed by law-enforcement requests.
- 4Safe harbor: Dating providers are protected from liability to users who rely on the notification as required by the act.
- 5Enforcement and national standard: The FTC would enforce the rule as an unfair or deceptive act or practice; states could also sue under consumer protection laws, with a provision ensuring a single national standard and limiting conflicting state laws.