15 USC 45g - Romance scam prevention

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 11, 2026

§ 45g.

Romance scam prevention

(a)

Fraud ban notification

(1)

In general

(2)

Required contents

A fraud ban notification under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(A)

The username or other profile identifier of the banned member, as well as the most recent time when the member to whom the notification is being provided sent or received a message through the online dating service to or from the banned member.

(B)

A statement, as applicable, that the banned member identified in subparagraph (A) may have been using a false identity or attempting to defraud members.

(C)

A statement that a member should not send cash or another form of currency or personal financial information to another member.

(D)

Information regarding best practices to avoid online fraud or being defrauded by a member of an online dating service, which may be provided through a link to another web page or disclosure.

(E)

Contact information to reach the customer service department of the online dating service provider.

(3)

Manner and timing

(A)

Manner

A fraud ban notification under paragraph (1) shall be—

(i)

clear and conspicuous; and

(ii)

provided by email, text message, or, if consented to by the member receiving the fraud ban notification, other appropriate means of communication.

(B)

Timing

(i)

In general

(ii)

Delay based on judgment of provider

(iii)

Delay upon request of law enforcement official

If, due to an ongoing investigation, a law enforcement official requests an online dating service provider to delay providing a fraud ban notification under paragraph (1) beyond the time when the notification is required to be provided under clause (i) or (ii), the online dating service provider—

(I)

may not provide the notification before the end of the period of delay (including any extension of such period) requested by the law enforcement official; and

(II)

shall provide the notification not later than 3 days after the last day of the period of delay (including any extension of such period) requested by the law enforcement official.

(4)

Safe harbor applicability

(b)

Enforcement

(1)

Enforcement by the Commission

(A)

Unfair or deceptive acts or practices

(B)

Powers of Commission

(i)

In general

(ii)

Privileges and immunities

(iii)

Authority preserved

(2)

Enforcement by States

(A)

In general

(B)

Rights of the Commission

(i)

Notice to the Commission

(I)

In general

(II)

Contents

(III)

Exception

(ii)

Intervention by the Commission

Upon receiving the notice required by clause (i)(I), the Commission may intervene in the civil action and, upon intervening—

(I)

be heard on all matters arising in the civil action; and

(II)

file petitions for appeal of a decision in the civil action.

(C)

Limitation on State action while Federal action is pending

(D)

Rule of construction

(E)

Actions by other State officials

(c)

One national standard

(1)

In general

(2)

Rule of construction

(d)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Banned member

(2)

Commission

(3)

Fraud ban

(4)

Member

The term “member” means an individual who—

(A)

submits to an online dating service provider the information required by the provider to establish an account or profile on the online dating service; and

(B)

is allowed by the provider to establish such an account or profile.

(5)

Online dating service

The term “online dating service” means a service that—

(A)

is provided through a website or a mobile application; and

(B)

offers members access to dating or romantic relationships with other members by arranging or facilitating the social introduction of members.

(6)

Online dating service provider

(7)

State

(e)

Effective date

(Pub. L. 119–129, § 2, Oct. 20, 2026, 140 Stat. 1084.)

cite as: 15 USC 45g