Federal investigators have identified 35 additional potential victims in a fraud case involving a California man accused of posing as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver to swindle millions of dollars. Daejon Love and Taylor Chan face federal wire fraud charges after allegedly collecting $1.3 million from dating app relationships.
What began as an elaborate online persona built on fake workout videos, altered social media images, and fabricated bank balances has expanded into a massive federal criminal investigation. Federal authorities announced that the total number of potential victims in the impersonation scheme has climbed past 60, bringing new urgency to a case that has drawn widespread public attention.
Daejon Love and Taylor Chan Face Federal Charges in Multi-State Scheme
Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan, both of California, were arrested at the Boise Airport on August 24 after federal agents tracked Love to Idaho to meet prospective new victims. Prosecutors charged both defendants with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to a federal affidavit filed in the case, the operation targeted post-college working professionals across Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and California.
Investigators detailed how Love cultivated romantic relationships after meeting victims on dating applications such as Tinder, Hinge, and Facebook Dating between February 2022 and March 2025. Love allegedly alternated between presenting himself as a professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers and operating as a wealthy real estate developer. To validate his financial standing, Love introduced Chan as his personal financial adviser on three-way video calls, where the pair displayed forged multi-million dollar investment accounts.
“The victims in this case were targeted because they were trusting, responsible people. They believed they were building genuine relationships and legitimate financial futures.”
Douglas Olson, FBI special agent in charge of the Portland office
FBI Agent Doug Olson Details Sophisticated Use of Artificial Intelligence
Speaking at a news conference, FBI Special Agent Douglas A. Olson emphasized that the perpetrators relied heavily on technology to sustain their deception over several years.
Following the initial arrests, investigators identified 35 additional potential victims, pushing the overall count past 60 individuals. Olson pointed out that the scale of the operation surprised law enforcement personnel given the short timeframe involved.
“They were very, I would say, ahead of their time in terms of utilizing AI to bolster their fraud.”
Douglas A. Olson, FBI special agent in charge of the Portland office
Love also manipulated Google search results using artificial intelligence tools to reinforce his claims of playing professionally, making it difficult for targets to independently disprove his identity during early interactions.
Social Media Fallout and Condemnation of Victim Blaming
As details of the case circulated online, the bizarre nature of the impersonation triggered widespread commentary and internet memes. Federal officials pushed back firmly against online ridicule directed at those who lost money, warning that public mockery discourages others from reporting crimes.
“Victim blaming is unjust and harmful, and overlooks the calculated, highly manipulated lengths these individuals went to, to exploit and manipulate others.”
Douglas Olson, FBI special agent in charge of the Portland office
Meanwhile, members of the actual football organization confirmed they had no prior knowledge of Love before federal agencies alerted team officials in August. The franchise’s coaching staff later joined in lighthearted online banter about the fabricated career, while federal prosecutors reiterated that neither Love nor Chan ever deposited a financial return for any of the at least 26 women who initially transferred approximately $1.3 million into accounts controlled by the pair.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps in Federal Court
Chan was released from custody following an initial federal court appearance in Portland after agreeing to specific conditions pending trial. Love remains detained in Idaho and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Oregon for upcoming proceedings. Federal prosecutors maintain that the investigation remains active as authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the FBI.
