An alleged fraudster who posed as a wealthy player for the San Francisco 49ers scammed more than 26 women out of $1.3 million, federal authorities said.
Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and his alleged accomplice, Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were taken into custody on Monday at an airport in Boise, Idaho, after investigators learned Love was in the state to meet new victims, according to the Department of Justice.
The two men were arrested and charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, according to a federal complaint filed in Portland, Oregon.
Starting in Feb 2022, the two alleged schemers allegedly ceated fictitious investments to defraud dozens of women in California, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.
The feds said Daejon and Chan, who posed as Love’s financial advisor, had an elaborate scheme where Love would convince female victims he was a wealthy 49ers player or wealthy real estate investor.
“Chan falsely posed as Love’s financial adviser to further gain their victims’ trust and demonstrate the validity of the investments,” according to the Justice Department.
Love met the women through online dating apps, showing off a luxury lifestyle in person and through social media.
His Instagram is filled with several photos and videos of him wearing 49ers gear while working out.
Authorities said Love had relationships with many of the 26 women identified.
“Love had romantic relationships with many of the victims and told them he wanted to build wealth and a future together,” the DOJ said.
“Love advertised nonexistent investment vehicles and claimed these investments would generate massive returns for both him and his victims.”
Chan is accused of sending messages to Love to purportedly “invest in new opportunities.” Love then allegedly sent those screenshots to his alleged victims to convince them to send money to him or Chan.
“Victims sent Love and Chan money due to their belief that their money would be invested in legitimate investment vehicles on the victims’ behalf,” according to the FBI.
“Some victims also loaned Love large amounts of money, if victims did not have cash to invest, Love sometimes instructed them to take out personal loans in both scenarios Love assured the victims that they would quickly be repaid.”
Love is accused blocking communications with the women once they started asking questions or telling him they were out of money to invest, the DOJ said.
Authorities said he never returned any money and not one of the victims ever said they got a return on their investment.
Love is also accused of using phone apps to create fake bank and investment accounts and balances that he showed to his victims.
The two men then allegedly solicited money from the women through lies and misrepresentations.
Authorities said they believe there may be even more victims.
The two alleged fraudsters are due in court on Thursday in Idaho.

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