Man accused of posing as NFL player to defraud 26 women of $1.3m

A 35-year-old man, Daejon Labrayae Love, has been charged in the United States with allegedly defrauding at least 26 women of more than $1.3 million through a scheme in which he falsely presented himself as a San Francisco 49ers player and wealthy investor.

Federal prosecutors say Love used dating apps and social media to meet women in Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho, building romantic relationships before persuading victims to send him money for supposed investment opportunities. Authorities allege the scheme began in February 2022 and continued for more than four years.

Investigators say Love created an elaborate false identity, including fake social-media profiles, customised 49ers gear, staged contract-signing images, bank statements and videos intended to support his claim that he was a professional American-football player. He allegedly told victims that he was financially successful and that their money would be invested through him.

Love is accused of working with Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, who allegedly posed as his financial adviser and helped create fictitious investment accounts. Prosecutors say victims were deceived into believing both that they were in genuine relationships with Love and that their funds were being placed in legitimate investments.

The FBI arrested Love and Chan at Boise Airport in Idaho on August 24. Both face federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Authorities say the 26 identified victims lost amounts ranging from thousands of dollars to far larger sums, and investigators believe additional victims may not yet have come forward.

The accusations have not been tested in court, and both men are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.