Fake NFL player arrested for scamming women out of a million dollars

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A man accused of pretending to be a professional football player has been arrested after federal authorities say he used a fake NFL identity to lure women into romantic relationships and investment schemes, allegedly taking more than $1.3 million from at least 26 victims.

Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, was arrested by the FBI on August 24 at the Boise Airport in Idaho. He and an alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan, are facing federal charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Neither defendant has entered a plea.

According to prosecutors, Love falsely presented himself as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver, using social media posts, photographs in 49ers gear and an elaborate online persona to make the story appear legitimate.

The San Francisco 49ers have no connection to the alleged scheme.

How the Alleged Scheme Worked

Federal investigators say Love targeted women primarily through dating apps and social media beginning in February 2022.

He allegedly developed romantic relationships with some of the women, portraying himself as a wealthy professional athlete and investor. In other cases, prosecutors say he presented himself as a wealthy Swiss businessman.

Once he established trust, Love allegedly encouraged the women to invest their money in opportunities that did not actually exist.

Authorities say Chan played a key role by posing as Love's financial adviser. The two allegedly used fabricated investment accounts and fake information to convince victims that their money was growing.

Some women who did not have enough money to invest were allegedly encouraged to take out personal loans, with Love and Chan promising that the money would be repaid.

Prosecutors say none of the identified victims received the promised investment returns or repayment of those loans.

The Fake NFL Persona

Love allegedly went to considerable lengths to make his football identity believable.

According to investigators, he posted photos and videos of himself wearing 49ers clothing and claimed that he had gone undrafted before eventually working his way onto the team's roster.

In one video obtained by OutKick, Love appeared to sign what he represented as an NFL contract and said he was signing with the “Niners.” Federal investigators, however, say Love was never employed by either the NFL or the 49ers.

He also allegedly used artificial intelligence, search-engine information and social media content to bolster the false identity.

The FBI says Love used several names, including Jon Love, Jordan Love and Avril Lyto Love.

Women Say the Deception Was Convincing

The alleged scheme has left victims questioning how they were able to believe the elaborate story.

One woman who met Love through a dating app told CBS News that he claimed he wanted to have children with her and promised her a house. She ultimately became suspicious and stopped communicating with him.

Another woman, Domonique DuBose, said Love contacted her through Hinge and presented himself as an NFL player. She became skeptical but said she understood why other women might have been convinced by the persona he created.

An FBI official explained that romance scams often work because criminals first establish an emotional connection before asking victims for money.

That emotional trust can make people more likely to overlook warning signs, investigators said.

More Victims Could Come Forward

Federal authorities currently identify at least 26 alleged victims across California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho, but investigators believe there could be more.

Love and Chan were arrested as they were allegedly traveling to meet additional potential victims.

The case has since attracted widespread attention online, with real 49ers players even reacting to the bizarre impersonation.

The 49ers organization itself has not been accused of wrongdoing. The team has simply found itself unexpectedly connected to the story because Love allegedly used its name, uniforms and imagery as part of his false identity.

Federal Charges Are Only Allegations

Love and Chan have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have encouraged anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Love or who has information about the alleged scheme to contact investigators.

What began as an online persona designed to look like the life of an NFL player has now become a federal criminal case involving dozens of alleged victims and more than $1.3 million in reported losses.

Source: NBC News