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Romance Scam Prevention Act

USA119th CongressS-841| Senate 
| Updated: 9/2/2025
Marsha Blackburn

Marsha Blackburn

Republican Senator

Tennessee

Cosponsors (3)
Rick Scott (Republican)John W. Hickenlooper (Democratic)Raphael G. Warnock (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Romance Scam Prevention Act mandates that online dating service providers issue "fraud ban notifications" to their members. This requirement is triggered when a member has received a message from another individual who has been subsequently banned from the service due to a "fraud ban," meaning there's a significant risk they will attempt to obtain currency from other members through fraudulent means. The primary goal is to enhance user safety and combat romance scams. Each fraud ban notification must be clear, conspicuous, and delivered via email, text message, or other consented communication methods. It must specify the username or profile identifier of the banned member and the most recent communication time between the two parties. Additionally, the notification must include a statement indicating that the banned member may have used a false identity or attempted to defraud members. Crucially, the notification must contain a clear warning advising members not to send cash, other forms of currency, or personal financial information to other users. Providers are also required to include information on best practices to avoid online fraud and provide contact details for their customer service department. Online dating service providers are granted a safe harbor from liability for complying with these notification requirements. Notifications are generally required within 24 hours of a fraud ban, though this can be extended to three days if the provider deems it necessary, or further delayed if requested by law enforcement for an ongoing investigation. The Federal Trade Commission is responsible for enforcing these provisions, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under existing law. State Attorneys General can also bring civil actions to protect residents, but must notify the FTC, which retains the right to intervene. The Act establishes a single national standard, preempting any state laws that would require, prohibit, or otherwise affect the manner of these specific fraud ban notifications. However, this preemption does not extend to state laws related to contracts or torts. The provisions of this Act are set to take effect one year after its enactment.

Bill Text Versions

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2 versions available

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Timeline
Mar 4, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Mar 4, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Mar 12, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Jun 24, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-2481
Received in the Senate.
Sep 2, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-58.
Sep 2, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 145.
  • March 4, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 4, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • March 12, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.


  • June 24, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-2481
    Received in the Senate.


  • September 2, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-58.


  • September 2, 2025
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 145.

Commerce

Related Bills

  • HR 119-2481: Romance Scam Prevention Act
Civil actions and liabilityConsumer affairsFraud offenses and financial crimesInternet, web applications, social mediaLicensing and registrations

Romance Scam Prevention Act

USA119th CongressS-841| Senate 
| Updated: 9/2/2025
The Romance Scam Prevention Act mandates that online dating service providers issue "fraud ban notifications" to their members. This requirement is triggered when a member has received a message from another individual who has been subsequently banned from the service due to a "fraud ban," meaning there's a significant risk they will attempt to obtain currency from other members through fraudulent means. The primary goal is to enhance user safety and combat romance scams. Each fraud ban notification must be clear, conspicuous, and delivered via email, text message, or other consented communication methods. It must specify the username or profile identifier of the banned member and the most recent communication time between the two parties. Additionally, the notification must include a statement indicating that the banned member may have used a false identity or attempted to defraud members. Crucially, the notification must contain a clear warning advising members not to send cash, other forms of currency, or personal financial information to other users. Providers are also required to include information on best practices to avoid online fraud and provide contact details for their customer service department. Online dating service providers are granted a safe harbor from liability for complying with these notification requirements. Notifications are generally required within 24 hours of a fraud ban, though this can be extended to three days if the provider deems it necessary, or further delayed if requested by law enforcement for an ongoing investigation. The Federal Trade Commission is responsible for enforcing these provisions, treating violations as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under existing law. State Attorneys General can also bring civil actions to protect residents, but must notify the FTC, which retains the right to intervene. The Act establishes a single national standard, preempting any state laws that would require, prohibit, or otherwise affect the manner of these specific fraud ban notifications. However, this preemption does not extend to state laws related to contracts or torts. The provisions of this Act are set to take effect one year after its enactment.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Mar 4, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Mar 4, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Mar 12, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Jun 24, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-2481
Received in the Senate.
Sep 2, 2025
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-58.
Sep 2, 2025
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 145.
  • March 4, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • March 4, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.


  • March 12, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.


  • June 24, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-2481
    Received in the Senate.


  • September 2, 2025
    Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-58.


  • September 2, 2025
    Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 145.
Marsha Blackburn

Marsha Blackburn

Republican Senator

Tennessee

Cosponsors (3)
Rick Scott (Republican)John W. Hickenlooper (Democratic)Raphael G. Warnock (Democratic)

Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee

Commerce

Related Bills

  • HR 119-2481: Romance Scam Prevention Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Civil actions and liabilityConsumer affairsFraud offenses and financial crimesInternet, web applications, social mediaLicensing and registrations