Man posing as 49ers players arrested in $1.3M romance scam targeting 26 women

Federal authorities have arrested two men accused of running a sophisticated romance-and-investment scheme, with one allegedly posing as a San Francisco 49ers player to defraud at least 26 women out of around $1.3 million.

Daejon Labrayae Love, age 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, age 18, were arrested Aug. 24 at Boise Airport in Idaho, and they face charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, reports the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

According to court documents, Love pretended on dating apps and social media to be an undrafted wide receiver playing for the 49ers. He used different aliases, such as Jon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love, and posted pictures of himself wearing 49ers' jersey and recording a video of himself signing an NFL contract.

In a statement, a federal prosecutor said: “The scheme relied on Love’s creation of fictitious personas and display of a lavish lifestyle.”

According to reports, Chan acted as Love’s financial advisor and took part in the trio FaceTime calls to trick victims by presenting them with falsified information about gains in investments. Love was able to make many women believe that he was in a love relationship with them and told them to invest their money in imaginary business ideas. When victims did not have enough cash, he made them take personal loans.

Love’s Instagram profile says he was an “NFL Wide Receiver @49ers #undrafted,” with images of exotic cars, luxury watches, and him working out in 49ers gear.

He spent well over $1,160 on custom helmets and bought fake prop money to help build his ruse.

The FBI uncovered victims in California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Love prevented contact from women who asked too many questions and were no longer able to give him money.

Representatives from both the NFL and 49ers stated that Love was not ever employed by either one. Love and Chan can spend up to 20 years in jail if found guilty. The FBI is convinced that "there are many more victims."