A man allegedly posing as a San Francisco 49ers player used fake romantic relationships and bogus investment opportunities to swindle 26 women out of about $1.3 million, U.S. authorities said.
According to a report by Reuters, the FBI arrested 35-year-old Daejon Love and his alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan, in Boise, Idaho, on August 24. Both face federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.
Authorities allege that Love began the scheme in February 2022 by creating fake identities on dating apps and claiming to be a 49ers player. He reportedly used social media photos showing him in team gear and alongside luxury vehicles to make the persona appear credible.
Love allegedly convinced several women that they were in genuine romantic relationships and promised to build a wealthy future with them. He and Chan then allegedly promoted nonexistent investment opportunities, claiming the investments could generate huge returns.
The alleged scheme targeted victims across California, Idaho, Washington and Oregon. None of the victims interviewed by authorities reportedly received investment returns or repayment for loans.
Investigators believe there may be many more victims who have not yet come forward. Authorities also allege that Love cut off contact with the women after they ran out of money or began questioning the investments.
The case highlights how romance scams can combine emotional manipulation, fake identities and investment fraud to extract large sums of money from victims.
Federal authorities are continuing to investigate the alleged scheme.
