Federal · H.R. 2481, Public Law 119-129

Romance Scam Prevention Act (H.R. 2481, Public Law 119-129): dating apps must warn you when a banned scam account messaged you, starting Oct. 2027

Signed Oct. 20, 2026 · Takes effect Oct. 20, 2027

Published October 22, 2026 · Last updated October 22, 2026

What it does

The law requires an online dating service provider to give a member a fraud ban notification if the member “has received a message through the online dating service from a banned member.” (Enrolled text, sec. 2(a)(1))

• What a fraud ban is. The service ends or suspends an account or profile because, in the provider’s judgment, “there is a significant risk the member will attempt to obtain cash or another form of currency from another member through fraudulent means.” (Sec. 2(d)(1), (3))
• What the notice must say. The banned member’s username or other profile identifier and the most recent time you sent or received a message to or from that member; a statement, as applicable, that the banned member may have been using a false identity or attempting to defraud members; a statement that you should not send cash, another form of currency or personal financial information to another member; best practices for avoiding online fraud (a link is allowed); and contact information for the service’s customer service department. (Sec. 2(a)(2))
• How it is sent. The notice must be “clear and conspicuous” and sent by email or text message, or by another means if you have agreed to it. (Sec. 2(a)(3)(A))
• When. Within 24 hours after the ban. If the provider judges that the circumstances require more time, within 3 days. If a law enforcement official asks for a delay because of an ongoing investigation, the provider may not send the notice until the delay ends and must send it within 3 days after that. (Sec. 2(a)(3)(B))
• Which services. A website or mobile app that offers members access to dating or romantic relationships by arranging or facilitating introductions. (Sec. 2(d)(5)–(6))

Enforcement and state laws

• FTC. A violation is treated as a violation of a Federal Trade Commission rule against unfair or deceptive acts or practices, enforced with the FTC’s usual powers and penalties. (Sec. 2(b)(1))
• States. A state attorney general, or another state consumer protection officer authorized by the state, may sue in federal court on behalf of the state’s residents, after notifying the FTC. A state may not sue a defendant while an FTC case over the same alleged violation is pending against it. (Sec. 2(b)(2))
• One national standard. States and local governments may not have their own requirements on whether or how dating services notify members about messages to or from accounts banned for fraud. State contract and tort law is not affected. (Sec. 2(c))
• Safe harbor. A dating service is not liable to a member, banned member or former member for a claim based on its actions to comply with the notification requirement. (Sec. 2(a)(4))

Who it affects

• People in South Carolina who use dating sites and apps, who will get warnings about banned accounts they messaged with. (Sec. 2(a))
• Companies that run online dating services. (Sec. 2(d)(6))

What it means for you

• The law does not require dating services to ban anyone. It applies when a service has already decided to ban an account for suspected fraud. (Sec. 2(a)(1), (d)(3))
• The notices start when the law takes effect. Until then, the Federal Trade Commission’s advice is: “Never send money or gifts to a sweetheart you haven’t met in person.” It says to stop communicating with the person if you suspect a romance scam, and to report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the site or app where you met. (FTC, What To Know About Romance Scams)
• If you already paid a romance scammer with a gift card, wire transfer, credit or debit card, or cryptocurrency, the FTC says to contact the company or your bank right away and ask for a refund. (FTC, What To Know About Romance Scams)

Current status

Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) introduced H.R. 2481 on March 31, 2025. The House Energy and Commerce Committee reported it June 12, 2025, and the House passed it by voice vote on June 23, 2025. The Senate passed it without amendment by unanimous consent on September 23, 2026. It was presented to the President October 14 and signed October 20, 2026, becoming Public Law 119-129. (Congress.gov, actions)

What happens next

The notification requirement takes effect one year after enactment, on October 20, 2027. (Sec. 2(e))

Sources

• Congress.gov: H.R.2481, Romance Scam Prevention Act, actions and status
• Enrolled bill text, H.R. 2481
• Federal Trade Commission: What To Know About Romance Scams

Every statement above is drawn from the official source text linked here; section references are shown in grey. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Spot an error? Tell us.