Fake 49ers Player Fraud: 35 More Women Come Forward 2026

At least 35 additional women have come forward with fraud allegations against Daejon Love, the man accused of masquerading as a San Francisco 49ers player and wealthy investor, the FBI announced on Friday. This brings the total number of alleged victims to more than 60, according to federal authorities.

Love, 35, and his alleged accomplice Taylor Chan, 18, were arrested in August and charged with wire fraud. Authorities say Love conned more than two dozen women out of $1.3 million before the new accusers emerged. The FBI is urging other potential victims to contact them.

How the Fake 49ers Player Scam Unfolded

According to prosecutors, Love used a combination of AI-assisted fake identities, fabricated investment accounts, and staged video calls with Chan to gain the confidence of women across California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Many of the women met Love on dating apps.

To some, he claimed to be a former NFL player; to others, he said he was on reserve or injured. After building trust, Love convinced several women who believed they were dating him to send money for investments that he promised would yield high returns. The plot allegedly began around February 2022 and continued until the pair's arrest in August.

Federal authorities have not publicly revealed how Love and Chan met. In court documents, prosecutors described Love as nomadic, saying little is known about his family ties. A public defender for Love and Chan's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Key Takeaways for Potential Victims

• Verify identities: Always independently verify someone's claims, especially if they involve celebrity status or wealth.
• Be wary of investment requests: Never send money to someone you met online, particularly if they promise high returns.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect fraud, contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Seek support: Victims of romance scams can find resources through the National Center for Victims of Crime.

Comparison of Fraud Tactics Used by Love

What This Means for Dating App Safety

This case highlights the growing sophistication of online romance scams. The use of AI tools to create convincing fake identities and the involvement of a second person to play a professional role make these schemes harder to detect. Dating apps have faced criticism for not doing enough to verify user identities, and this case may increase pressure on them to implement stronger safeguards.

Authorities continue to investigate, and more charges may be filed as additional victims come forward. If you or someone you know has been affected, contact the FBI at ic3.gov.

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