Updated
Federal prosecutors have charged two men in an alleged fake 49ers player scam that authorities say received about $1.3 million from victim investors. The criminal complaint alleges that one defendant used dating apps and posed as a San Francisco 49ers player or wealthy real-estate investor, while the other posed as his financial adviser. The charges are accusations, not convictions.
Key Facts
- Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.
- The complaint and arrest warrants were issued August 17, 2026; both men were arrested August 24 at Boise Airport.
- DOJ says financial records show about $1.3 million received from victim investors, and 26 victims have been identified.
- The FBI believes additional victims may exist and is requesting information.
- No conviction, restitution order, refund fund or consumer claims portal has been announced.
What Happened
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced the charges on August 25 and updated the release on August 26.
According to the complaint, the alleged fake 49ers player scam began in February 2022 and continued until the arrests on August 24. Prosecutors say women in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California sent money after being shown what appeared to be investment opportunities.
At the August 27 fact-check, DOJ said both defendants remained in federal custody in Boise and were scheduled for their first court appearance that day. No newer DOJ update had been posted.
How the Fake 49ers Player Scam Allegedly Worked
Prosecutors allege Love met many of the women through dating apps and presented a lavish lifestyle online and in person. He allegedly portrayed himself as an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers or as a wealthy real-estate investor.
The complaint says Love convinced some women that they were in genuine romantic relationships and that he wanted to build wealth and a future with them. Chan allegedly posed as a financial adviser who had helped Love build a fortune worth tens of millions of dollars.
Authorities say the pair used messages, screenshots and three-way FaceTime calls to support the alleged investments. Love also allegedly used phone applications to display fictitious bank and investment balances.
Some women sent investment money or personal loans. DOJ says Love sometimes urged women without available cash to borrow through personal loans and assured them they would be repaid quickly.
Among the identified and interviewed victims, DOJ says none reported receiving investment proceeds, returns or account information after sending money. The $1.3 million is an alleged aggregate amount, not a per-victim recovery figure.
What the Charges Do—and Do Not—Establish
The fake 49ers player scam case is at the criminal-complaint stage. A complaint supports charges and arrest, but it is not an indictment or guilty verdict. The government must prove the allegations in court, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.
The complaint does not accuse the San Francisco 49ers, any actual team player or a legitimate investment firm of participating. The team identity was allegedly used as part of a false persona.
The charges also do not create an automatic refund. Restitution could be considered only after further proceedings, and any recovery would depend on a court order, verified losses and available assets.
Who Should Review Their Records
People potentially connected to the fake 49ers player scam should review any communications with either defendant about investments, loans or romantic relationships. DOJ says Love used multiple names, including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love and Jordan Love. That list concerns alleged aliases in this case and does not identify any actual athlete as involved.
Relevant records may include dating-app profiles, usernames, phone numbers, emails, text messages, FaceTime screenshots, wire instructions, payment-app receipts, bank records and personal-loan documents.
What Consumers Should Do Now
- Stop sending money. Do not pay another “investment,” tax, fee or recovery charge.
- Contact the financial institution. Report the transfer immediately and ask whether a recall, freeze or reversal is still possible. Recovery is not guaranteed.
- Preserve original evidence. Save messages, profile links, account numbers, transaction dates and confirmation numbers. Do not alter screenshots or delete accounts before preserving records.
- Report information directly. DOJ directs people with information about Love or Chan to the official FBI tip portal or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
- File a cyber-fraud report. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center form accepts transaction details, subject information and supporting descriptions.
How to Verify a Future Investment Pitch
The alleged fake 49ers player scam shows why a romantic relationship, athlete identity or impressive balance screenshot does not verify an investment. The SEC’s relationship-investment scam guidance warns that fraudsters may use fake accounts, screenshots and advisers to create trust.
Check anyone claiming to be an investment professional through the SEC’s investment professional background tool. Independently verify the firm, registration, custody arrangement and investment offering. Do not rely on links, phone numbers or references supplied by the person promoting the deal.
The FBI’s romance scam guidance also advises against sending money to someone known only online or by phone.
Bottom Line
The alleged fake 49ers player scam combined romantic trust, athlete impersonation, a purported adviser and fabricated investment displays, according to federal prosecutors. The case remains pending. Potential victims should preserve records, contact their financial institution and report through official FBI channels without paying anyone who promises recovery.
Editorial disclaimer: This article provides general consumer information and is not legal, investment or financial advice. Criminal liability, restitution and individual recovery depend on court proceedings, documented losses and applicable law.
This report provides general news and educational information for a U.S. audience. It is not individualized financial, credit, legal, tax, insurance or investment advice. Verify current procedures through the linked official sources.
