The FBI has arrested and charged two men, one of whom posed as a San Francisco 49ers player, for scamming at least 26 women out of more than $1.3 million. The alleged scam took place across four states – California, Idaho, Washington and Oregon.
Daejon Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were arrested by federal authorities on Aug. 24 at the Boise Airport in Boise, Idaho, according to court documents obtained by USA TODAY Sports. Love has been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The documents allege the duo has engaged in the scheme since Feb. 2022.
Love posed as a 49ers player while courting victims, primarily meeting middle-class women in their 20s and 30s through online through dating platforms like Tinder, Bumble,
Hinge, and Facebook Dating. He claimed to be a wide receiver for the team, as well as a wealthy real estate developer and investor from Switzerland.
Chan played the role of Love's financial advisor.
"Love convinced many of his victims that they were in sincere romantic relationships with him and that he was financially savvy and successful to gain their trust," an affidavit obtained by USA TODAY Sports read. "Love advertised nonexistent investments, which Love claimed would generate massive returns, to his victims.
"Victims sent Love and his co-conspirator, Taylor Jamie Chan, money believing they would invest the money in legitimate investments on the victims’ behalf. Some victims also loaned Love large amounts of money believing Love would easily pay the money back."
Fraud plot included posing in San Francisco 49ers gears
Love kept up that persona on social media, posting pictures of himself in 49ers gear and even wearing the team's helmet. He claimed to sign with the Niners because they "offered me the most money" and "they in hunt of winning the Super Bowl every season."
Love also claimed to attend all home games, practices and team meetings with the 49ers in addition to receiving his signing bonus.
In an effort to show some evidence of his investing prowess, Love posted fake screenshots of his bank account balance to show over $30 million in his account.
"In at least one instance, Love falsely claimed that since he began investing with Chan, Love increased his net worth from $300,000 to $17 million in a matter of a few years," the affidavit read.
For those that didn't have money to invest, the alleged fraudsters assisted their victims in taking out personal loans. Once they ran out of money or began asking too many questions, Love would cut them off and keep the money.
Investigators allege that Love used various names during the scheme including: Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love.
After interviewing representatives from the 49ers and the NFL, investigators were able to confirm that Love was never employed by the team or the league.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: FBI arrests man it alleges posed as 49ers player to scam women in wild scheme
