Romance Scam Prevention at the Federal Level
I’ve just returned from one of my most surreal and powerful experiences: testifying in a United States Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington, D.C. It still doesn’t feel real — walking into that historic room, raising my right hand, and sharing my mom’s story with lawmakers and the world. But let’s rewind a little before I give you a peek.
Romance Scam Prevention Act
An NBC reporter reached out while working on a story about the Romance Scam Prevention Act. She used a clip from my podcast, Scammer Stories, my way of raising awareness about romance scammers through podcasting, in her piece that aired on The Today Show — a huge moment for me. That visibility led to a noticeable spike in listeners and, more importantly, got the attention of people working on policy.
One quiet Saturday morning, I was sipping coffee when I got an email from an aide at Senator Chuck Grassley’s office asking for a virtual meeting to discuss the possibility of my testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee. I couldn’t believe it — they wanted to hear from me. A podcaster. A journalist. A daughter.
Testifying before Congress
That first meeting was 45 minutes long. I talked with two former prosecutors from Grassley’s office about my mom’s story, the heartbreaking interviews I’ve conducted, and the solutions people are desperate to see. A few days later, I had another virtual meeting with aides from Senator Durbin’s office. It was shorter but just as important.
When I got the official invitation to testify, I immediately called my aunt — my mom’s sister — and asked if she wanted to come with me. We booked our flights (paying out of pocket since no funds were available for the trip) and headed to D.C. All I could think of was “Here it goes; a daughter testifying about her mom’s romance scam experience in the US Congress.”
We arrived just before a military celebration and parade — talk about dramatic timing. Roads were closed, airspace was restricted, and protests were happening around us. Still, we made it to our hotel, enjoyed some incredible food (seriously, the D.C. food scene is next-level), and explored the city before the big day.
Senate Judiciary Committee hearing
I was up at 6 a.m. on the day of the testimony. We arrived early at Capitol Hill and were among the first to enter the hearing room. Walking into that space — the room where major national decisions have been made — was awe-inspiring. It wasn’t as big as it looks on C-SPAN, but the weight of history was unmistakable. And the panel of witnesses now assembled, off camera, in an unfilled room, behind the scenes of a Senate testimony on scams. Surreal.
Soon, it was time. I stood, raised my right hand, and took the oath alongside three other panelists. Then, I gave my speech, one I had written and submitted for approval in advance.
When I talked about my mom, I got emotional. I could feel her with me. I could feel the weight of all the stories I’ve told on the podcast. And in that moment, I knew this was bigger than me. This was for every person who’s been scammed, ignored, or shamed into silence. This was about how policy can help protect victims of online scams.
Anti-scam advocacy
The hearing lasted about an hour and a half. Senators came and went, as they do, and we answered their questions as thoughtfully as possible. I was especially glad to hear questions about addiction, an often overlooked component of scam victimization.
After the hearing, the panelists got together to continue the conversation. I was struck by how countries like Australia and the UK actively invest in scam prevention — and how effective their efforts have been. Meanwhile, the U.S. has barely scratched the surface. But here’s the good news: Congress is finally listening.
Join the Fight to Protect Romance Scam Victims
This journey to the Senate was deeply personal, but it’s also part of a much larger mission. Every story shared, every law reviewed, and every voice raised brings us one step closer to meaningful change.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a romance scam, know you’re not alone, and your story matters. We can push for stronger protections, better support systems, and real accountability.
👉 Here’s how you can help:
- Share this blog to raise awareness.
- Follow our work on social media and stay informed.
- Support our mission by donating or volunteering.
- Tell your story — because your voice can change lives.
- Join us for World Romance Scam Prevention Day to get the word out that victims are not alone
💜 Let’s turn pain into purpose and protect others from the harm of online scams. – April Helm, Host, Scammer Stories Podcast – Advocating Against Romance Scammers Board Director/Media Marketing
