Two men are facing federal charges after prosecutors allege they defrauded more than two dozen women out of approximately $1.3 million by using fake identities and posing as either a wealthy investor or an NFL player with the San Francisco 49ers.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon, Daejon Love, 35, and Taylor Chan, 18, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.
Federal prosecutors allege the scheme began in February 2022 and targeted women in four states. Love reportedly met many of the women through online dating applications before allegedly gaining their trust and convincing them to provide money for purported investment opportunities.
Investigators say Chan allegedly played a key role in making the operation appear legitimate. According to court documents, Chan posed as Love’s financial adviser and communicated with the women as part of the alleged scheme.
Prosecutors allege that Love created multiple false personas and presented himself as a successful and wealthy individual. In some instances, he allegedly claimed to be an NFL player for the San Francisco 49ers, while at other times he reportedly portrayed himself as a wealthy real estate investor.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office alleges that Love used the appearance of a lavish lifestyle, along with false representations about his background and finances, to build relationships and establish credibility with his victims.
Once trust had been established, prosecutors allege that Love and Chan solicited money from the women through a series of lies and misrepresentations, including allegedly fabricated investment opportunities.
The alleged scheme continued for more than two years and reportedly remained active until August 24, when the two men were arrested.
The case highlights the risks associated with online relationships and investment opportunities, particularly when individuals use claims of wealth, professional success or celebrity connections to gain another person’s trust.
Federal prosecutors are continuing to pursue the case. The charges are allegations, and Love and Chan are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com
