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HR 2481

Romance Scam Prevention Act

119th Congress Introduced by Juan Ciscomani and 8 co-sponsors

The Romance Scam Prevention Act requires online dating services to notify users about potential scammers, aiming to protect individuals from financial and emotional harm.

Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 438.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 2481

Summary of HR 2481: Romance Scam Prevention Act

Overview

Bill Number: HR 2481
Title: Romance Scam Prevention Act
Status: Received in the Senate
Introduced: March 31, 2025
Primary Sponsor: David G. Valadao
Cosponsors: Includes Michael Lawler, Josh Harder, Thomas R. Suozzi, Susie Lee, Juan Ciscomani, Brittany Pettersen, Jefferson Shreve, and David P. Joyce.

Purpose and Intent

The Romance Scam Prevention Act aims to enhance consumer protection for users of online dating services by requiring these platforms to notify users when they have interacted with individuals whose accounts have been removed due to fraudulent activity. The bill seeks to address the growing issue of romance scams, which have resulted in significant financial losses for victims.

Key Provisions

  • Fraud Ban Notifications: Online dating service providers must send notifications to users who have communicated with individuals whose accounts have been suspended for suspected fraudulent behavior. This is intended to inform users of potential risks and prevent further victimization.
  • Scope of Application: The requirement applies to all online dating platforms operating within the United States, ensuring a broad reach in protecting users from scams.

Background and Need for Legislation

The rise of online dating platforms has coincided with an increase in romance scams, which the Federal Trade Commission reported caused victims to lose approximately $1.3 billion in 2022 alone. High-profile cases illustrate the devastating impact of these scams, with victims losing life savings and, in some tragic instances, facing severe emotional distress.

Despite existing measures by some dating services to combat fraud, such as user verification processes, many users remain unaware of the risks associated with online interactions. The bill aims to bridge this communication gap, ensuring that users are informed about potential scammers they may have interacted with.

Impact

  • Victims of Romance Scams: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation will be individuals using online dating services, particularly those who may be vulnerable to scams.
  • Online Dating Service Providers: These companies will be required to implement notification systems, which may involve additional operational costs but ultimately contribute to a safer user experience.

Legislative Process

  • Committee Action: The bill was reported favorably by the Committee on Energy and Commerce without amendments on June 12, 2025.
  • House Approval: HR 2481 passed the House on June 23, 2025, after a motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill was agreed to by voice vote.
  • Current Status: The bill has been received in the Senate and is awaiting further consideration.

Conclusion

The Romance Scam Prevention Act represents a proactive approach to safeguarding users of online dating platforms from fraudulent activities. By mandating notifications about potential scams, the legislation aims to empower users and reduce the incidence of financial and emotional harm associated with romance scams.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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