YOUR ADVOCATES AGAINST ROMANCE SCAMS

WE ARE AARS

Advocating Against Romance Scammers operates as a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization. Since 2016, the organization has been dedicated to raising awareness about the impact of online romance scams in today's world. The repercussions of inadequate platform security, coupled with the outdated Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act, have enabled criminals to exploit these platforms for illegal activities like identity theft, money laundering, and selling counterfeit government IDs. We stand firm against such actions and refuse to yield to major tech corporations. We represent not just a voice, but your voice.

Since the inception of AARS, we have supported numerous victims, engaged with over twenty lawmakers' offices, established and registered the inaugural World Romance Scam Prevention Day celebrated annually on October 3. We have presented alongside significant entities like Big Tech, the FBI, and various law enforcement agencies, and were invited by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to contribute to finalizing an Issue Paper on Organized Fraud. Through media interviews, radio commercials, public service announcements, collaboration with similar organizations, and extensive outreach efforts, we are committed to shedding light on the emotional, psychological, and financial toll of online romance scams worldwide.

THE FOUNDERS STORY

 Kathy Waters and Retired Colonel Bryan Denny have joined forces to establish the incredible advocacy organization known today. In early 2016, Bryan faced a six-month struggle against Big Tech, losing hope of safeguarding his photos from being used in scams. His pictures were unlawfully taken and exploited to deceive unsuspecting individuals, resulting in substantial financial and emotional harm. Kathy's mother's friend became victim to this scheme by scammers using Bryan’s personal pictures. Upon confirming his identity theft, both felt a strong urge to support those impacted by the deception. Alongside their exceptional Board of Directors, Bryan and Kathy have been actively dedicated to this important cause.