On July 17, 2023, Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS) was invited by the Los Angeles FBI field office and Match Group to present at a “boots on the ground” conference focusing on online romance and pig butchering scams. 

AARS was the only nonprofit romance scam advocacy organization invited to speak on the services they provide to and for victims, along with the anticipated World Romance Scam Prevention Day.  

AARS was in prestige company with the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Match Group, Chainalysis, Department of Treasury, Joint Regional Intelligence Center, National Crime Agency, USAO U.S Attorney, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, District Attorneys from Santa Clara Santa Barbara, Ventura, Riverside, Los Angeles and more not to mention law enforcement representatives from Germany and England!

The day consisted of approximately 14 speakers ranging from law enforcement, district attorneys, social media, advocates, and a victim who lost over a quarter of a million dollars in three months. 

This group, brought together under one roof, wants to see change. They want to see more education and better security. They hope to work with agencies worldwide and bring justice to every victim of online romance scams. 

Co-Founders Bryan Denny and Kathy Waters provided a presentation that included a video of what AARS stands for, their mission, and their incredible team. We also offered the Scam Guide handouts (downloadable for free on our site) and a flyer announcing World Romance Scam Prevention Day.

What does the future hold? AARS reached out to those they met with during networking and had a great response. Each organization and state and federal entity loved what AARS stood for, how we work with victims, and what the future holds regarding education, awareness, and prevention. Work is happening, and plans are forming due to this conference. AARS is very much looking forward to seeing how we all come together....FINALLY!