Man Posed as 49ers Player to Defraud Women of $1.3M

Federal prosecutors allege that a 35-year-old man constructed an elaborate fake identity as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver to defraud at least 26 women of approximately $1.3 million in a scheme that spanned more than four years. Daejon Love and his alleged accomplice, 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan, were arrested on August 24 at Boise Airport in Idaho and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon, the alleged scheme began in February 2022. Investigators state that Love used dating apps to meet women across California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, presenting himself as either a professional football player or a wealthy real estate investor. To support his NFL persona, Love allegedly created an extensive online facade, posting videos and photos of himself in 49ers gear, posing with luxury vehicles, and even filming what he represented as a contract signing with the team. An FBI affidavit notes that representatives for both the NFL and the 49ers confirmed Love had never been employed by either organization.

The operation involved significant production value. Financial records cited by...