Exclusive: With the rise in romance fraud, bipartisan groups of lawmakers are introducing new laws aimed at taking responsibility for trying to fraud and steal retirees. A hard-earned savings.
USShing. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn. and John Hickenlooper, D-Colo. and Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif) introduced the Romance Fraud Prevention Act.
The move came as an American more connected than ever, thanks to social media and dating apps that allow them to stay in touch with old friends around the world and build new relationships online.
As Americans become online seeking relationships, scammers follow suit. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in 2022, almost 70,000 people reported victims of romance scams.
As Americans turn to dating apps for love, romance is rising: 5 tips to protect yourself
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) will arrive at the Senate Judiciary Committee's business meeting on February 13, 2025 in Washington, DC in the Darksen Senate Office building. (Anna Money Maker/Getty Images)
D-Colo. Senator John Hickenlooper will be seen at the US Capitol on Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc, Getty Images)
People ages 40 to 69 are most likely to report losing money due to romance scams, while people age 70 and over reported the highest individual loss at $9,475. According to FTC.
Blackburn said bipartisan law will introduce “critical safeguards” to protect app users. The senator stressed that in 2023, Tennessees over the age of 60 lost $43 million in a scam targeting seniors.
“Cheaters will join dating apps to establish meaningful connections, but will save lives for con artists who acquire vulnerability,” she said.
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The bill requires that online dating service providers notify members if they communicate with someone whose account is banned due to fraud. The notification should include details of the profiles of the prohibited members and warnings that the prohibited members may be attempting to fraud, such as requesting money.
How to not fall in love with an AI-driven romance scammer
The bill is enforceable by the FTC and allows the state attorney general to file a civil lawsuit on behalf of affected residents. It also ensures that state laws cannot interfere with the process of anti-fraud notifications.
“This bipartisan bilateral bill provides transparency, helps users make informed decisions and strengthens best practices to prevent online fraud,” Valadao said. “I am proud to lead efforts to make online dating safer and protect Americans of all ages from financial fraud.”
On January 31, 2025, in the meeting room of the Tulea City Council in Tulea, California, Rep. David Valadao of R-Hanford was sworn at the oath ceremony of R-Tulare Rep. Alexandra Macedo. (Juan Esparza Loera/The Fresno Bee/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
One such scam was recently discovered by Las Vegas authorities in February. The Romance Fraud Prevention Act will protect citizens from suspects like 43-year-old Aurora Phelps.
“Phelps meets older men on dating websites and services, then they meet face to face. It was part of her plan to drug an elderly man, get unauthorized access from a financial account and steal money to earn personal benefits to herself and her family,” the prosecutor said.
Photo of defendant Aurora Phelps from Aurora Phelps in the US District Court for the Nevada District from United States court documents. (Nevada Department of Justice/US District Court.)
Phelps was charged with 21 counts, including a seven-count wire fraud. Three mail fraud. 6 counts of bank fraud. Three counts of identity theft. One count of invitations. And one invitation to death, the US Attorney's Office for the Nevada District He said in a statement.
If convicted in all respects, Phelps, who was detained in Mexico, could face the biggest life in prison.
She is only charged with one death, but the indictment says at least two men she met and fraudulent have died.
Romance fraud red flag
In romance scams, criminals use fake online identities to gain the affection and trust of their victims. The con artist then uses the illusion of romantic or close relationships to manipulate and/or steal from the victim.
With the rise of romance fraud, we have led immigration and customs enforcement (ICE). Provide practical tips To ensure that people are not used.
- Suspicion of unsolicited calls or text messages. Do not answer calls or texts with unknown numbers. Please do not provide personal information via phone or text.
- Limit what you share online. Scammers use the details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you to form connections and take advantage of what's going on in life.
- Please ask questions slowly. Creating a false sense of urgency is a fundamental tactic in social engineering. Make sure that individuals do not rush you to make decisions. Please be aware that you will send money, bank account information, personal photos, or other sensitive personal information to someone you have never met in person.
- Keep it on the platform. Scammers often drive conversations to move away from dating and social platforms. Generally, they request text or email. This is to avoid detection controls for dating website chats.
- Listen to your gut. If the individual thinks it's too good, talk to someone you trust about it.
- Don't send money or cryptocurrency. Do not send money to anyone who communicated only online or over the phone. If you meet someone on a dating site, app, or social media and show them how to invest in crypto or ask them to send cryptocurrency, it's a scam.
Elderly people are often targeted by fraudsters. (cyberguy.com)
resource
More information about the department's efforts to support older Americans can be found on the Elder Justice Initiative webpage. ElderJustice.gov.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Division and its enforcement efforts, see www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.
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Fraud Elder complaints can be filed with the FTC www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ Or at 877-ftc-help. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources related to fraud victim elders through its office for crime victims. www.ovc.gov.
