The FBI has identified 35 more women who say they were defrauded by Daejon Love, accused of posing as a San Francisco 49ers player to solicit money and investments. Authorities allege Love and an 18-year-old co-defendant spent about four years convincing victims to transfer funds, taking roughly $1.3 million. Both suspects were arrested in Boise, Idaho, and face wire fraud and conspiracy charges while investigators vet the new claims.
FBI Says 35 More Women Report Being Scammed by Man Posing as 49ers Player
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation has identified 35 additional women who say they were defrauded by Daejon Love, a 35-year-old accused of posing as a San Francisco 49ers player and convincing victims to send money or invest with him. Authorities allege the scheme bilked roughly $1.3 million from multiple people across several states.
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Investigation Details
Portland FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson told reporters on Sept. 18 that investigators have added these potential victims to the probe and are vetting whether each complainant has verifiable ties to Love. The FBI says Love and an alleged co-conspirator, 18-year-old Taylor Chan, spent about four years building trust and persuading people to transfer funds or invest in purported opportunities.
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"He was either a player, former player, a player on injured reserve… but whatever name he was using, he'd put enough stuff into the media searches so it was the first thing that came up on people's page," Olson said, noting the fabricated online footprint even fooled some AI tools and search results into portraying him as an NFL player. "It was like there were multiple things in there that would confirm whatever he was telling those folks… The sports thing was always a big part of it, because you have to have some source of initial income to be an investor."
Investigators say Love presented himself not only as an NFL wide receiver but also as a real estate investor and, in some cases, cultivated romantic relationships with victims to gain their trust. The alleged co-defendant is accused of acting as Love's financial adviser to solicit investments.
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Arrests and Ongoing Work
Both suspects were arrested last month at an airport in Boise, Idaho. They face charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Authorities continue to review digital records, communications and banking information to determine which of the people who came forward have credible financial or personal connections to Love.
This case highlights how fabricated online personas — amplified by manipulated search results and even AI-generated content — can be used to build false credibility and facilitate long-running fraud schemes.
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