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

Daejon Labrayae Love, a man accused of posing as a player for the San Francisco 49ers, allegedly orchestrated a fraud scheme that defrauded 26 women of around $1.3 million. The scheme reportedly involved using dating apps, luxury vehicles, and a convincing social media presence to gain the trust of his victims. Federal prosecutors have charged Love, along with his alleged accomplice, Taylor Jamie Chan, who is accused of posing as Love's financial adviser to further the deception.

The alleged fraudulent activities began in February 2022 and continued until their arrest on August 24, 2026. Love purportedly presented himself as a professional athlete or a wealthy real estate investor, while Chan reinforced these claims by posing as his financial adviser. Together, they allegedly created a web of fictitious investment opportunities, promising substantial returns to their victims.

According to the US Department of Justice, Love's Instagram account boasted around 85,000 followers and featured posts that showcased expensive cars and football-related imagery. This online persona helped him establish credibility among potential victims. One victim, Dominique DuBose, who matched with Love on the dating app Hinge, became suspicious of his claims and began her own investigation. Despite the seemingly legitimate profile, she discovered that Love had never played for the 49ers after contacting a friend who had played for the team.

The investigation revealed that Love used multiple aliases, including Jon Love and Daejon Love, to present different professional backgrounds. He allegedly convinced women they were in genuine romantic relationships and encouraged them to invest in fictitious opportunities, often soliciting money through false representations. Some victims were even urged to take out personal loans to fund their investments, with promises of quick repayment.

Victims' Experiences and Financial Losses

While some women reported receiving early returns, federal investigators found that none received actual returns on their principal investments. Love reportedly cut off communication with victims when they ran out of money or started asking too many questions. Financial records indicated that Love and Chan received approximately $1.3 million from the women, with victims located across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California.

What Went Wrong

Love has pleaded not guilty to a federal felony charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. A judge ordered him detained, citing concerns about flight risk. The FBI is continuing its investigation, having identified 35 additional women who have come forward with allegations against Love, potentially increasing the total number of victims to 61. DuBose expressed her distress over the exploitation of trust and emotions involved in the case, stating, "It breaks my heart."

As the investigation unfolds, the FBI urges anyone with information about Love or Chan to come forward. This case highlights the vulnerabilities inherent in online dating and the ease with which individuals can create deceptive identities to exploit others.