Daejon Labrayae Love, a 35-year-old man from the Dublin, California area, is facing federal charges after authorities say he posed as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and wealthy investor to defraud dozens of women.
Federal prosecutors in Oregon allege that Love and an 18-year-old accomplice, Taylor Jamie Chan, ran a romance and investment scheme from February 2022 until their arrest in late August 2026. Love reportedly used dating apps including Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Facebook Dating to meet women in Oregon, California, Washington, and Idaho. He presented himself under various names, including Jon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love.
According to court records and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Love created fictitious personas—most often as an undrafted 49ers wide receiver or a real-estate investor from a wealthy Swiss family—and used social media to display a lavish lifestyle. The NFL and the 49ers later confirmed to investigators that Love never played for any NFL team. Chan is accused of posing as his financial advisor. Authorities identified 26 victims who sent a combined $1.3 million; the FBI believes there may be additional victims.
Love and Chan were arrested on August 24, 2026, at Boise Airport in Idaho, where investigators said Love had traveled to meet new potential targets. They were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. Both were held in federal custody pending court appearances. Love and Chan are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. The FBI has asked anyone with information to contact the bureau.
The case highlights ongoing risks of romance and investment fraud on dating platforms, where fabricated identities and promises of large returns have led to significant financial losses for victims across multiple states.
SOURCES:
Feds: Man faked 49ers career to steal $1.3M from 26 women in romance, investment schemes | kgw.com
Man who posed as 49ers player faces federal fraud charges – ESPN
2026.8.25-ARREST-Love-Chan.pdf
