David Valadao (R-CA)

Romance Scam Prevention Act

H.R. 2481 · House bill Commerce

A Republican bill with 4 Democratic cosponsors · See all 9 cosponsors

Last activity — Became Public Law No: 119-129.

Became law

Passed both chambers and was signed by the President, or became law without a signature.

Nothing more in Congress: it is law. When it takes effect depends on the dates written into it — some parts start at once, others a year or more later.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. Passed House voice vote
  3. Passed Senate unanimous consent
  4. To President
  5. Became Law

No one's position on it was recorded: the House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together), and the Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote).

What this bill would do

This bill requires online dating service providers to send fraud ban notifications to members who have communicated with someone whose account was banned for fraud. The notification must include specific details, such as the banned member's username and warnings against sending money or personal financial information. Providers generally must send this notice within 24 hours, though delays are permitted under certain provider judgments or law enforcement requests. The Federal Trade Commission and state attorneys general are granted enforcement powers over violations of this requirement. Additionally, the bill establishes one national standard, preventing states from enforcing their own laws regarding fraud ban notifications on online dating services.

Yes

  • Scored +5

    Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?

    The bill enhances consumer protection by requiring dating services to notify users of potential fraud risks.

  • Scored +3

    Does this give people more control over their personal data?

    The bill increases user awareness of fraudulent profiles, which indirectly supports digital privacy and security.

  • Scored +3

    Does this give the federal government more power?

    The bill centralizes the standards for dating service notifications under federal authority, preempting state laws.

The opposite

  • Scored -4

    Does this leave more decisions to the states?

    The bill restricts the ability of states and political subdivisions to maintain or enforce their own dating service notification standards.