Romance Scam Prevention Act
Romance Scam Prevention Act
Plain Language Summary
# Romance Scam Prevention Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Romance Scam Prevention Act would require dating apps and websites to notify users if they've been communicating with someone who was banned from the platform for fraudulent activity. When this happens, users would receive a warning that includes the scammer's username, when they last contacted that person, and alerts about the dangers of sending money or sharing financial information online. The notification would also direct users to fraud prevention resources and customer service contact information. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects online dating service providers (apps and websites) and their users. Dating app companies would need to implement new notification systems, while users—particularly vulnerable individuals who may be targets of romance scams—would gain better protection and awareness when interacting with banned fraudsters. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (S.
841, 119th Congress), meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). The legislation targets a real problem: romance scams cost Americans millions of dollars annually, with victims often emotionally manipulated into sending money to people using fake identities.
CRS Official Summary
Romance Scam Prevention ActThis bill requires online dating service providers (i.e., mobile applications or websites) to provide users with a fraud ban notification if the user has established an account with the service and received a message through the service from a banned user of the service.The fraud ban notification must include (1) the username or other profile identifier of the banned user and the most recent time when the user who is receiving the notification sent or received a message through the service to or from the banned user, (2) a statement that the banned user may have been using a false identity or attempting to defraud other users, (3) a statement that the user should not send cash (or another form of currency) or personal financial information to another user, (4) information about avoiding online fraud (e.g., a link to another website or a disclosure) and (5) contact information for the provider's customer service department.The bill provides for enforcement of these requirements by the Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general.
Latest Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 145.