NFL Player Imposter Scammed Total of $1.3M From 26 Women Through Fake Investment Schemes

A man named Daejon Labrayae Love allegedly pretended to be an NFL player and turned dating apps into a gateway for a sophisticated romance-and-investment scam that targeted at least 26 women across four US states.

The 35-year-old was arrested on 24 August alongside 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan. Both face federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. They were arrested at Boise Airport in Idaho and remain in federal custody. Their first court appearances are scheduled for 27 August.

According to federal prosecutors, the alleged scheme began in February 2022 and continued until the arrests. Love reportedly met many of the women online through dating apps and developed romantic relationships with them.

He allegedly claimed to be either a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver or a wealthy real estate investor. He told some women he wanted to build a future and grow their wealth together.

Investigators say Love used fake social media profiles and photographs to reinforce the story. He appeared in 49ers clothing and presented himself as a wealthy man living a lavish lifestyle. He also allegedly used several names, including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love and Jordan Love.

Fake Adviser Helped Sell the Investments

The alleged deception went beyond the romantic relationships. Prosecutors say Love introduced Chan as his financial adviser. Chan allegedly played a key role in making the investment opportunities appear legitimate.

The pair reportedly created fictitious investment accounts and fake balances. Love would show the women the supposed accounts on his phone. The alleged goal was to convince them that their money was being successfully invested.

They also allegedly held three-way FaceTime calls. During those conversations, Chan posed as an investment professional and helped reassure the women that the schemes were genuine.

In some cases, Love allegedly encouraged women who did not have enough money to take out personal loans. He promised their investments would produce large returns and that borrowed money would be repaid quickly.

Financial records indicate that Love and Chan received about $1.3 million (£956,000) from the identified victims. None of the women interviewed by investigators reported receiving investment returns or legitimate account information after sending their money.

FBI Believes More Victims May Exist

The alleged operation stretched across California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. Investigators also say Love travelled through Nevada, New Mexico and Utah shortly before his arrest.

Authorities believe the 26 identified victims may not represent the full extent of the alleged scheme. Investigators are now working to determine whether other women were approached by Love or whether additional money was transferred to accounts connected to the alleged operation.

They also noted Love was in Idaho when he was arrested and was reportedly there to meet potential new victims. Chan had travelled from California to meet him before the pair were detained at Boise Airport.

The FBI is urging anyone with information about Love or Chan, or anyone who believes they may have been targeted, to come forward.

The case remains ongoing. A criminal complaint contains allegations, and both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.