Romance Scam Prevention Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2481
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Commerce
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-17: Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 438.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T02:58:23Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation establishes requirements for online dating service providers to notify users when they have interacted with a member whose account has been banned due to suspected fraud. It aims to help prevent romance scams by providing timely information and guidance to members.
Key Provisions
- Fraud Ban Notifications: Providers must send a notification to a member if they have messaged a banned member. The notice must include the banned member's username, the timing of messages, a warning about potential false identity or fraud, advice against sending money or financial information, best practices to avoid fraud, and customer service contact details.
- Timing and Delivery: Notifications must be clear and sent by email, text, or other approved means, generally within 24 hours of the ban (or up to 3 days if needed). Law enforcement can request delays for ongoing investigations.
- Safe Harbor: Providers are protected from liability for claims arising from complying with these notification rules.
- Enforcement: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) treats violations as unfair or deceptive acts, with authority to enforce using its existing powers. State attorneys general may also bring civil actions on behalf of residents, with notice requirements and limits during federal actions.
- National Standard: States cannot enforce conflicting laws on how providers notify members about fraud bans, though contract and tort laws remain unaffected.
- Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "banned member," "fraud ban," "member," "online dating service," and "State."
- Effective Date: The requirements take effect one year after the bill becomes law.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This Act introduces new federal requirements for online dating services, which previously had no specific nationwide mandate for fraud-related notifications. It creates a uniform standard that preempts certain state-level rules on this issue while preserving other state authorities.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The FTC gains explicit enforcement duties for these rules; state attorneys general and law enforcement officials may coordinate on investigations and delays.
- Citizens: Members of online dating services receive additional warnings and resources to avoid financial fraud, potentially reducing scam risks.
- International Relations: No direct impacts are addressed in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Online dating service providers (required to implement notifications and systems).
- Users (members) of these services (recipients of notifications).
- The Federal Trade Commission (primary enforcer).
- State attorneys general and other consumer protection officials (secondary enforcement role).
- Law enforcement agencies (may request notification delays).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill establishes a federal preemption clause for notification practices, creating a single national rule while explicitly not affecting state contract or tort laws. Violations are handled through the FTC's existing framework for unfair or deceptive practices, without altering broader constitutional authorities.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7], Rep. Goldman, Craig [R-TX-12], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3], Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14], Rep. Shreve, Jefferson [R-IN-6], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-17: Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 438.
- 2025-06-24: Received in the Senate.
- 2025-06-23: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-06-23: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2848-2849)
- 2025-06-23: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2848-2849)
- 2025-06-23: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2481.
- 2025-06-23: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2848-2850)
- 2025-06-23: Mr. Bilirakis moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-06-12: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 119.
- 2025-06-12: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-153.
- 2025-06-12: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-153.
- 2025-04-08: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
- 2025-04-08: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-03-31: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- 2025-03-31: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Romance Scam Prevention Act — issued 2025-06-23 — PDF (14 pages)
- Romance Scam Prevention Act — issued 2025-03-31 — PDF (11 pages)
- Romance Scam Prevention Act — issued 2026-06-17 — PDF (14 pages)
- Romance Scam Prevention Act — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (14 pages)