Man Posed as NFL Player to Defraud Women of $1.3 Million

Federal authorities in the United States have arrested and charged two men in connection with a sophisticated fraud scheme that targeted over 20 women, allegedly bilking them out of approximately $1.3 million. Daejon Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were arrested on August 24th in Boise, Idaho. They face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon, the scheme began in February 2022. Love allegedly created "fictitious identities" on dating apps and social media, repeatedly presenting himself as a player for the NFL's San Francisco 49ers or as a wealthy real estate investor. Among the aliases he used were Jon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love. The fraud reportedly spanned over four years, with Love and Chan allegedly creating fake investment opportunities to ensnare women across California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.

Investigators detailed that Love cultivated romantic relationships with many victims, convincing them he was a genuine romantic partner and a sophisticated investor. He allegedly claimed that he and Chan, who posed as his financial advisor, were building a fortune worth tens of millions of dollars. Love reportedly promised victims a shared future and immense profits from non-existent investment vehicles, encouraging them to transfer money to him or Chan.

When victims lacked available funds, Love allegedly urged them to take out personal loans, promising repayment. However, prosecutors stated that Love would typically cease communication once victims ran out of money or began asking too many questions. Financial records indicate that neither Love nor Chan provided any victims with returns, reimbursements, or legitimate account information.