Fake San Francisco 49ers player scammed 26 women out of $1.3m

Two alleged scam artists, one of whom prosecutors say posed as a San Francisco 49ers player, cheated 26 women out of about $1.3 million through a fake investment scheme, according to federal authorities.

Federal prosecutors in Portland, Oregon, charged Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The FBI arrested the pair at Boise Airport in Idaho on August 24 after prosecutors alleged they had traveled there to meet potential new victims.

According to federal authorities, Love and Chan began the alleged scheme in February 2022, targeting women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California with fake investment opportunities.

Prosecutors allege Love met the women online and through dating apps, presenting himself as a wealthy investor and NFL player. He then introduced them to Chan, whom he allegedly described as his financial adviser to make the operation appear legitimate. Authorities say many of the women became romantically involved with Love after he allegedly promised to build a future with them using the money they invested.

Prosecutors allege the scheme ultimately generated tens of millions of dollars in purported wealth for Love and Chan. According to the indictment, Love advertised nonexistent investment opportunities while promising substantial returns and allegedly used fake bank accounts to make the scheme appear legitimate.

Chan is accused of posing as Love’s investment adviser and allegedly sending him messages about supposed lucrative investment opportunities. Love then allegedly forwarded screenshots of those messages to victims to persuade them to hand over large sums of money. After receiving the money, prosecutors say Love and Chan disappeared with the funds.

Love’s social media accounts also allegedly featured numerous photos of him wearing San Francisco 49ers clothing and football equipment, including images taken at gyms, parking lots and on the beach. The federal charges are allegations, and Love and Chan are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.