A man allegedly went on dating apps posing as a wealthy San Francisco 49ers football player and used fake romantic relationships and bogus investment opportunities to defraud dozens of women out of more than $1.3 million, according to federal prosecutors.
Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, was arrested by FBI agents this week in connection with the alleged scheme, which prosecutors say targeted at least 26 women across several states.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Love allegedly created fake online identities and represented himself as a professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers or as a wealthy real-estate investor.
He allegedly used those identities to establish what appeared to be genuine romantic relationships with women he met through dating apps and social media.
But prosecutors say the relationships were part of a much larger financial scheme.
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Federal authorities allege Love went to significant lengths to convince women that he was wealthy and successful.
After gaining their trust, he allegedly began discussing investment opportunities and claimed to have substantial knowledge and experience in financial markets.
Prosecutors say an alleged co-conspirator, Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, helped reinforce the deception by posing as Love’s financial adviser.
The two allegedly used fake investment and banking applications to show victims fabricated account balances and supposed investment profits.
Those fake returns allegedly convinced victims that their money was growing.
In reality, prosecutors say the investment accounts were bogus.
Women Allegedly Sent More Than $1.3 Million
According to federal investigators, at least 26 women were allegedly victimized by the scheme, with approximately $1.3 million transferred to Love and Chan.
Some victims allegedly sent money directly to the pair, while others were reportedly convinced to take out loans to provide additional funds for the supposed investments.
Prosecutors allege that when victims requested their money back or began questioning the investments, Love would allegedly provide additional excuses before eventually cutting off communication.
Authorities believe there could be additional victims who have not yet come forward.
FBI Arrests Suspect in Idaho
The FBI ultimately tracked Love to Boise, Idaho, where authorities arrested him on Aug. 24.
Chan was also arrested.
Both have been charged federally with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.
Despite allegedly presenting himself as an NFL player, prosecutors say Love had no affiliation with the San Francisco 49ers.
The case is another example of how scammers can use professional athletes, wealth and romance to establish credibility with potential victims online.
For victims, the deception allegedly wasn’t simply about sending money to a stranger. Prosecutors say Love first convinced women that they were involved in sincere romantic relationships before using that trust to obtain money.
The investigation remains ongoing, and federal authorities believe more potential victims may exist.
Love and Chan are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office / FBI
