FBI: Victim count grows in fake San Francisco 49ers player fraud case

The FBI has announced that the number of alleged victims in a fraud scheme involving a man posing as a San Francisco 49ers player has risen to more than 60. This follows the identification of 35 additional women who have come forward to report being defrauded.

Daejon Love, 35, and Taylor Chan, 18, were arrested at the Boise, Idaho airport on August 24. Both face charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Prosecutors allege that Love used dating apps to build romantic relationships with women, presenting himself as a wealthy NFL player and real estate investor. Chan allegedly acted as Love’s financial adviser.

The pair reportedly used sophisticated tactics to deceive victims, including staged video calls, fabricated investment accounts, and the use of AI-reinforced false identities to show phony bank balances. Initial reports indicated that at least 26 victims had been defrauded of more than $1.3 million.

Portland FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas Olson stated that investigators are working to verify the new reports and expressed concern that the scheme could be replicated by others. He encouraged potential victims to come forward without fear of embarrassment.