The FBI identified 35 new potential victims in the fake 49ers player Daejon Love scam, raising the total to 61. Love, 35, and co-conspirator Taylor Chan, 18, allegedly scammed at least 26 women out of $1.3 million by posing as an NFL player and financial adviser.
The Scam’s Scope and Methods
Federal investigators revealed that Daejon Love and Taylor Chan exploited AI-generated identities, fake social media profiles, and staged video calls to defraud women across multiple states. Love, a California native, allegedly posed as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver while Chan masqueraded as his financial adviser, according to FBI Special Agent Douglas Olson.
They were very, I would say, ahead of their time in terms of utilizing AI to bolster their fraud,
Olson said, highlighting how Love used AI-enhanced images on social media to maintain his fabricated identity. Victims were targeted through dating apps like Tinder and Hinge, where Love cultivated romantic relationships and promised financial success.
One of Love’s alleged victims, Karma Rose, shared screenshots of text messages where Love claimed to be on his way to Oregon and later told her, In all seriousness, I don’t think we’re all on the same page.
Rose described the scam as a lot of darkness behind that,
emphasizing the emotional toll on victims.
He told others his net worth had grown from $300,000 to $17 million through Chan’s “investments.” Chan, who was arrested at Boise Airport, allegedly participated in three-way FaceTime calls to validate Love’s fake wealth.
Victims’ Accounts and Legal Fallout
The FBI identified 35 additional potential victims after Love’s arrest, bringing the total to 61. The victims in this case were targeted because they were trusting, responsible people,
Olson said, noting that many were post-college professionals who believed they were building genuine relationships.
Karma Rose, who claims the number of victims is higher than reported, described how Love tailored his approach to each woman. He definitely tailored to each individual female that he interacted with, and decided what he was going to be benefiting from,
she said. Some victims lost their savings, took out personal loans, or borrowed money based on Love’s promises of quick returns.
FBI Agent Tyler Esswein, who investigates complex financial crimes, noted that Love used fake bank-account apps to create the illusion of wealth. Victims sent Love and Chan money due to their belief that their money would be invested in legitimate investment vehicles on the victims’ behalf,
Esswein wrote in the affidavit.
Public backlash against the victims has prompted FBI warnings about victim blaming.
Olson condemned social media jokes and mockery, stating, Victim blaming is unjust and harmful, and overlooks the calculated, highly manipulated lengths these individuals went to, to exploit and manipulate others.
Love, who remains in custody in Boise, is expected to appear in federal court in Portland next month. Both could receive up to 40 years in prison if convicted.
The FBI continues to urge potential victims to come forward, emphasizing that fraud can happen to anyone.
Investigators are also examining how Love manipulated Google search results to bolster his fake NFL career, a tactic that made it harder for victims to verify his claims.
I think you can exercise some healthy skepticism, but also verify with other real people and individuals, not just on the internet,
Olson advised. The case has drawn significant public attention, with some fans joking about Love’s fake 49ers identity. However, authorities stress the serious financial and emotional harm inflicted on victims.
As the investigation unfolds, the FBI remains focused on uncovering the full extent of the scam. The number of victims can change, the financial loss can change, and obviously the damage of the overall scheme, we get a better idea as we work the case,
Olson said. Anyone with information is encouraged to submit tips via the FBI’s online portal or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.