Episode Summary As we launch into 2025, we tackle a critical issue: romance scams. With Valentine's Day around the corner, host Anurag sits down with Kathy Waters and Brian Denny from Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS) to discuss the alarming rise of online deception that preys on vulnerable individuals, especially during this romantic occasion. Brian shares his personal experiences of being a target of catfishing, while Kathy highlights their efforts to educate the public and advocate for change regarding these insidious scams. Key Takeaways Understanding Romance Scams: These scams often involve fraudsters using stolen identities to build emotional connections, exploit vulnerability, and solicit money from unsuspecting victims. The Role of Social Media: Approximately 60% of all scams start on platforms owned by Meta, highlighting the urgency for greater accountability from social media companies. Advocacy Efforts: AARS aims to raise awareness and push for legislative changes, focusing on amending Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to hold platforms accountable for allowing scammers to operate. Education is Key: There is a pressing need for widespread public education about the risks of communicating with strangers online and recognizing red flags associated with romance scams. Support for Victims: AARS provides various resources, including educational tools and support for victims and their families, to help them navigate the emotional fallout of being scammed. Guest(s) Information - https://advocatingforu.com/ Kathy Waters Kathy is a co-founder of Advocating Against Romance Scammers (AARS), driven by a passion for raising awareness and educating the public on the complexities of romance scams. Her commitment stems from personal experiences with victims and the desire to drive systemic change. Brian Denny Brian, also a co-founder of AARS, is a retired U.S. Army veteran whose identity has been repeatedly used in online romance scams. His unique insights into the world of identity theft fuel his advocacy work, as he aims to protect others from similar predicaments. Audio Credit: Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/w... License code: CWFYBYTSKHIO0WBU