Daejon Love and an 18-year-old accomplice, Taylor Jamie Chan, have been arrested after allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated fraud scheme that swindled more than 60 women out of approximately $1.3 million. Love, a California native, gained the trust of his victims by posing as a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers and a wealthy real estate investor. The San Francisco 49ers stated they were unaware of Love and had received no reports about him until the FBI contacted them in August.
The Fraudulent Persona
To maintain his facade, Love utilized social media and artificial intelligence to create a believable NFL career. He reportedly posted videos of himself training in 49ers apparel, carrying cleats and a helmet, and posing with a red Lamborghini. In one instance, Love allegedly staged his own “signing day” on video. He further bolstered his claims by pointing potential victims toward an inaccurate Google AI result that named him as a 49ers wide receiver.
According to the FBI, the scheme was extremely sophisticated,
blending staged video calls, fabricated football workout videos, and the use of phone apps to manufacture bank and investment balances. These falsified documents were intended to prove Love’s wealth to women he met through dating apps. Taylor Chan allegedly supported the ruse by posing as Love’s financial adviser, providing a secondary character to validate non-existent investment opportunities.
Victim Impact and Financial Loss
Federal prosecutors state that Love entered romantic relationships with many victims, telling them he wished to build a future and wealth together. Believing they were investing in legitimate vehicles, at least 26 women initially sent Love and Chan $1.3 million between February 2022 and August 2024. Some victims handed over their life savings or took out large personal loans, while others were encouraged to borrow money under Love’s promise of quick repayment.
Authorities have identified no victims who received a return on their money. Once the funds were sent, or when the women began asking questions, Love allegedly blocked them. While initial reports identified 26 victims, the FBI has since identified 35 additional potential victims, bringing the total to over 60. FBI agent Doug Olson stated that the victims were targeted specifically because they were trusting, responsible people.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Federal agents arrested Love and Chan at the Boise Airport on August 24 after learning Love had traveled to Idaho to defraud three people. Video of the arrest shows Love being taken from a white sports car—described in court filings as a late-model Corvette—while wearing red 49ers paraphernalia. Prosecutors noted that Love had no ties to Idaho other than his intent to scam victims.
Both Love and Chan face one count of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in Oregon. These charges carry a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, though other court filings indicate a maximum of 20 years each if convicted. While Chan was released from custody under specific conditions, Love was ordered to remain behind bars pending a court date in Oregon.
Public and Team Reaction
The situation drew attention from the 49ers organization on social media. On Sunday, August 30, wide receivers coach Leonard Hankerson posted an altered photo on Instagram showing Love in full gear, jokingly appearing to coach the fraudster. When former receiver Kendrick Bourne commented on the post, Hankerson wrote, Man I hate we lost him…. He was balling!!!
FBI Agent Doug Olson has urged the public to avoid victim blaming,
noting that the mockery and jokes targeting the women overlook the calculated, highly manipulated lengths
Love and Chan went to in order to exploit them. Olson encouraged the public to exercise healthy skepticism and verify information with real people rather than relying solely on the internet.