Federal investigators say a man allegedly posed as a San Francisco 49ers player and wealthy investor to gain the trust of women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California.
The FBI issued a warning after authorities arrested 35-year-old Daejon Labrayae Love, who allegedly helped operate a romance and investment scam involving approximately $1.3 million and 26 victims.
FBI details alleged 49ers impersonation scheme
Love and his alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan, have been charged in federal court in Portland with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
“Beginning in February 2022, Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, created fictitious investments to defraud numerous women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California,” the FBI said in a Twitter post.
Investigators say Love developed relationships with women he met online before presenting himself as a wealthy person with access to lucrative investment opportunities.
“Love met most of the women on the internet through dating apps. Love falsely portrayed himself as legitimately wealthy, often as an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers or as a wealthy real estate investor.”
The FBI added: “Chan falsely posed as Love’s financial adviser to further gain the victims’ trust. The scheme lasted until the day of Love and Chan’s arrests on August 24.”
Authorities allege that Love used multiple identities, including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love and Jordan Love. He also reportedly operated an Instagram account under the name @2bcontinued_4, where he claimed to be an undrafted wide receiver for the 49ers.
Women allegedly targeted through romance and investment scam
According to investigators, the alleged fraud relied heavily on emotional manipulation. Love reportedly told women that he wanted to build a future and create wealth with them before directing them toward investments that authorities say did not exist.
Chan allegedly strengthened the scheme by posing as a financial adviser, sending messages about investment opportunities and joining three-way FaceTime calls that appeared to show profits.
Investigators also allege that victims who did not have available cash were encouraged to take out loans.
Arrest warrants and a criminal complaint were issued on August 17. Authorities later learned that Chan had travelled from California to meet Love in Boise, Idaho, where both were arrested on August 24.
Love and Chan appeared in court on August 27. The FBI is continuing to seek information about the case while investigators determine whether there are additional victims.
