The Romance Scam Prevention Act is a proposed law designed to protect people using online dating services from falling victim to scams. It requires dating platforms to notify users if they receive messages from accounts that have been banned for suspected fraud, aiming to prevent financial and emotional harm.
What This Bill Does
The Romance Scam Prevention Act introduces new rules for online dating services to help protect users from scams. If a dating platform bans a user for suspected fraudulent activity, the platform must notify anyone who received messages from that banned user. This notification must be sent within 24 hours, or within three days if there are special circumstances or law enforcement requests.
These notifications will include the banned user's profile name, the last time they interacted with the recipient, and a warning that the banned user might have been trying to scam them. The message will also advise users not to send money or personal financial information to others and provide tips on avoiding online fraud. Additionally, the notification will include contact information for the dating platform's customer service.
To encourage dating platforms to comply with these rules, the bill offers them protection from being sued over how they notify users about fraud. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will ensure companies follow these rules, and state attorneys general can also take action against companies that don't comply. The bill aims to create a consistent national standard, preventing states from imposing different requirements.
Why It Matters
Romance scams are a growing problem, with thousands of people losing significant amounts of money each year. In 2024 alone, over 59,000 people lost nearly $1.2 billion to these scams. The bill aims to protect users by giving them early warnings about potential scammers, helping them avoid financial loss and emotional distress.
Older adults and people seeking companionship are particularly vulnerable to romance scams. This bill provides an extra layer of protection for these groups, who may be less familiar with online safety practices. By requiring dating platforms to notify users about banned scammers, the bill helps people make informed decisions and protect themselves from harm.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: The Congressional Budget Office has prepared a cost estimate, but specific figures are not detailed.
- Timeline for Implementation: The bill's provisions take effect one year after enactment.
- Number of People Affected: Approximately 44 million Americans use online dating services and could benefit from the bill's protections.
- Key Dates: The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 4, 2025, and reported favorably by a committee on March 12, 2025.
- Current Status: As of January 2026, the bill is on the Senate Legislative Calendar awaiting a floor vote.
- Real-World Impact: The bill aims to prevent financial and emotional harm from romance scams, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- National Standard: The bill sets a federal standard, preventing states from imposing additional requirements.
Arguments in Support
- Addresses a Significant Financial Crisis: The bill targets a documented problem, with romance scams causing significant financial losses.
- Provides Actionable Warning System: It creates a mechanism to alert users about potential scammers, giving them crucial information to avoid being defrauded.
- Incentivizes Platforms to Ban Fraudsters: By protecting platforms from legal liability, the bill encourages them to take action against suspicious accounts.
- Creates Uniform National Standards: A single federal standard prevents a confusing mix of state laws, making it easier for platforms to comply.
- Protects Vulnerable Populations: Older adults and isolated individuals, who are more susceptible to scams, receive additional protection.
Arguments in Opposition
- Privacy Concerns: Some worry that the notification system might inadvertently reveal user information.
- Liability Questions: Critics argue the safe harbor provision might be too broad, potentially allowing platforms to avoid accountability.
- Definitional Issues: There may be disagreements over what constitutes "fraud" and warrants a ban.
- Compliance Costs: Smaller dating platforms might struggle with the costs of implementing the notification system.