Romance Scam Prevention Act

The Romance Scam Prevention Act requires online dating service providers to issue a fraud ban notification to any member who has sent or received a message from a user whose account has been banned due to suspected fraudulent activity. These notifications are designed to protect users from romance scams by informing them when they have interacted with a potentially fraudulent individual. Each notification must clearly identify the banned member, state that they may have been using a false identity or attempting to defraud, and include a strong warning against sending cash or financial information to other members. Furthermore, the notification must provide information on best practices to avoid online fraud and contact details for customer service. Notifications must be clear, conspicuous, and delivered via email or text message, generally within 24 hours of the fraud ban being initiated, though delays are permitted under specific circumstances, such as ongoing law enforcement investigations. The bill includes a safe harbor provision, protecting online dating service providers from liability when complying with these notification requirements. Enforcement of this Act falls under the purview of the Federal Trade Commission , treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Additionally, State Attorneys General are authorized to bring civil actions on behalf of their residents, with provisions for notifying and allowing intervention by the Commission. The Act establishes a one national standard , preempting conflicting state or local laws regarding these fraud ban notifications, and is set to take effect one year after its enactment.