A second man is now facing federal charges for allegedly helping carry out the scheme by pretending to be an investor.
WASHINGTON — Two men have been charged in federal court after prosecutors said they defrauded more than two dozen women of $1.3 million by posing as either a San Francisco 49ers player or an investment figure.
Daejon Love, 35, and Taylor Chan, 18, are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon said in a release.
Court documents allege that Love and Chan began setting up fake investment opportunities in February 2022 as part of a plan to steal money from women in four states.
Prosecutors said Love met most of the women through dating apps. Chan is accused of posing as Love’s financial adviser, a role authorities say was meant to build trust and make the supposed investments appear credible.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said the pair allegedly persuaded the women to hand over money through false statements and misrepresentations. Authorities said the scheme continued until Love and Chan were arrested on Aug. 24.
Investigators say Love presented women with fake identities and images of an extravagant lifestyle both online and in person. He allegedly claimed at various times to be an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers or a wealthy real estate investor.
According to prosecutors, Love allegedly led several women to believe they were in “sincere” romantic relationships with him and that Chan was his investment adviser, someone who had helped him build a fortune worth tens of millions of dollars.
Love reportedly used phone apps to create fake bank and investment accounts and balances to show to victims to “legitimize the schemes.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Love and Chan also exchanged messages about investment opportunities, with Chan posing as Love’s adviser. Love would then share screenshots with the victims to send money to either him or Chan.
Court documents state that some of the victims loaned Love large amounts of money, and if they didn’t have the money, he’d ask them to take out personal loans with the promise of repayment.
Love allegedly would block communication with the women once they had no more money to invest or if they asked too many questions.
Financial records show Love and Chan received about $1.3 million from the victims. Investigators identified 26 victims, and the FBI believes there are many more victims.
Investigators say Chan flew from California to Boise, Idaho on Aug. 24 to meet up with Love. The U.S. Attorney’s Office added that Love was in Idaho to meet new victims.
Two men were arrested at the Boise Airport.
According to investigators, from July 15 through Aug. 24, Love traveled to New Mexico, California, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Idaho.
Love allegedly used several different names in the scheme, including his legal name, Jon Love, Avril Lyto Love and Jordan Love.
The FBI is encouraging anyone who has information on Love or Chan to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov.
