Romance Scammer Posed as NFL Player, Stole $1.3 Million from 26 Women

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Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, was arrested in Idaho after allegedly posing as a San Francisco 49ers receiver and a Swiss real estate investor on online dating apps to defraud at least 26 women of a combined $1.3 million — and federal authorities believe there are more victims. Love's co-conspirator, 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan, posed as his financial advisor, exchanging fabricated investment communications that Love screenshotted and sent to victims as supposed proof of legitimate wealth-building strategies. Both were charged with wire fraud in Oregon federal court.

The scheme followed a recognizable romance-fraud pattern: Love built fake romantic relationships online, urged victims to invest with him so they could 'build wealth and a future together,' and pressed those without ready cash to take out personal loans. Once a victim ran out of money or began asking questions, Love blocked contact and kept the funds. Love's social media presence was detailed enough that search engines and AI tools occasionally confirmed his false identity as a pro football player. Federal investigators found no legitimate income in Love's financial records — only cash deposits and online money transfers consistent with the fraud.