Man Arrested for Posing as SF 49ers Player to Scam Women Out of $1.3 Million

Deception on Dating Apps and Social Media

The alleged fraud began in February 2022, according to federal court filings. Love targeted middle-class women in their 20s and 30s through mainstream online dating platforms including Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, and Facebook Dating. To maintain the illusion of wealth and athletic success, Love posted social media photographs wearing San Francisco 49ers gear and team helmets. Investigators noted that Love claimed he signed with the franchise because they offered him the most money and were perennial contenders for the Super Bowl.

Court documents reveal that Love used multiple aliases throughout the operation, including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love, and Jordan Love. Meanwhile, his co-conspirator, Taylor Jamie Chan, acted in the role of a personal financial advisor to lend false legitimacy to their business operations. The affidavit states that Love convinced victims they were in genuine romantic relationships while pitching nonexistent investments that promised massive financial returns.

Fabricated Financial Records and Personal Loans

To convince victims of his investing prowess, Love circulated manipulated screenshots of bank account balances reflecting more than $30 million in capital. In at least one documented instance, the affidavit notes, Love falsely claimed that his net worth surged from $300,000 to $17 million in a matter of years through Chan’s advisory services.

When victims lacked liquid capital to fund the purported investment schemes, the pair allegedly assisted them in securing personal loans. Once the victims exhausted their funds or began asking critical questions regarding their money, Love abruptly cut off contact and retained the funds. Representatives from the San Francisco 49ers and the National Football League subsequently confirmed to investigators that Love was never employed by the team or the league in any capacity.

Legal Repercussions and Protecting Against Fraud

Following their arrest at the Boise Airport on August 24, 2026, Daejon Love faces federal charges including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Federal investigators continue to review financial records and interview affected individuals across California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. Authorities urge anyone with additional information regarding this multi-state scheme to contact local law enforcement or federal regulatory agencies.