Federal authorities arrested two individuals in Oregon and Idaho following a romance scam investigation that netted roughly $1.3 million from more than 26 victims across multiple U.S. states, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Daejon Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, allegedly operated a multi-year scheme in which Love posed as a San Francisco 49ers player and wealthy investor.
How the 49ers Romance Scam Operated Across Six States
Beginning in February 2022, the suspects crafted alternative identities for Love, maintaining a faux luxury lifestyle on social media platforms like Instagram, records show. According to federal filings, Love primarily presented himself to victims on dating apps and in-person encounters as a professional football player or a high-net-worth investor. Over a four-year period, the operation spanned Oregon, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Utah, and Idaho.
https://x.com/FBI/status/2093443616597250283
Investigators stated that Love falsely claimed personal ties to prominent NFL figures, including wide receiver Tyreek Hill and Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Meanwhile, his co-defendant, Chan, allegedly acted as a financial advisor to legitimize investment pitches. The pair convinced multiple women to transfer funds into purported business opportunities before cutting off all communication once the accounts were drained.
FBI Arrests and Multi-Agency Investigation
Law enforcement closed in on the suspects on Monday, taking both men into custody at Boise Airport with assistance from local Idaho authorities and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Department of Justice outlined the charges in public statements earlier in the week, noting that the investigation remains active. Federal investigators believe additional victims may have been targeted by the network and urge anyone with relevant information to contact local field offices.
FAQ
- Who was arrested in connection with the NFL romance scam? Federal authorities arrested 35-year-old Daejon Love and 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan.
- What team was Love falsely claimed to play for? Court documents state Love posed as a player for the San Francisco 49ers.
- How much money was involved in the fraud? The Department of Justice estimates the suspects extorted approximately $1.3 million from more than 26 identified victims.
- Where were the suspects apprehended? FBI agents and local authorities arrested Love and Chan at Boise Airport in Idaho.
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