Romance Scam Prevention Act

This bill aims to protect people using online dating apps and websites from romance scams. It requires the app to alert you if you’ve messaged with someone whose account was banned for suspected fraud. The alert must include the banned person’s username, when you last messaged them, a warning not to send money or financial info, tips to avoid scams (a link is allowed), and customer service contact info. The alert has to be clear, sent by email or text (or another method you agreed to), and usually go out within 24 hours; if needed, it can take up to 3 days, and police can ask the company to delay the alert during an investigation.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general can enforce these rules, and companies are protected from certain lawsuits when they follow the alert requirements. The bill sets one national standard for these alerts, so states can’t require different rules (this does not change state contract or injury laws). It takes effect one year after it becomes law.

Key points

• Who is affected: People who use online dating services and the companies that run them.
• What changes: Apps must quickly warn you if you messaged a user banned for suspected fraud and include specific safety info; FTC and states can enforce; companies get legal protection for complying; one national standard applies.
• When: The rules start one year after the law is enacted.