Man Accused of Posing as NFL Star to Win Women’s Trust in Alleged $1.3 Million Romance Scam

A man accused of pretending to be a professional football player allegedly used dating apps, lavish lifestyle claims and fake investment opportunities to persuade women to hand over approximately $1.3 million.

Federal prosecutors allege that Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, falsely presented himself as a player for the San Francisco 49ers and a wealthy investor. Investigators say he used social media photos, football-related videos and images of luxury vehicles to make his claims appear convincing.

According to court documents, Love met women through dating apps and led many to believe they were building genuine romantic relationships. He allegedly told them he wanted to create a wealthy future together before introducing them to investment opportunities that prosecutors say did not actually exist.

Authorities allege that an accomplice, Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, posed as Love’s financial adviser. The two allegedly used fabricated investment accounts and staged video calls showing supposed financial gains to convince women to send more money. Some victims were reportedly encouraged to take out personal loans.

Investigators have identified at least 26 alleged victims across California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, with approximately $1.3 million in payments traced to the scheme. The FBI has indicated that additional victims may come forward.

One woman, Domonique DuBose, became suspicious after matching with Love on a dating app. She described noticing warning signs, including the speed of his attention and his extravagant claims. By questioning his story rather than accepting it at face value, she avoided becoming another alleged victim.

Federal investigators also checked Love’s claims with representatives of the NFL and the San Francisco 49ers, who reportedly confirmed that he had never been employed by either organization.

Love and Chan were arrested in August 2026. In October, Love pleaded not guilty to a federal conspiracy charge, and a judge ordered him detained pending trial. The allegations have not yet been proven in court.

The case serves as a reminder that an impressive online profile, apparent wealth and promises of a shared future do not guarantee that someone is who they claim to be. Authorities encourage anyone approached with suspicious investment offers through a romantic relationship to verify identities independently and never send money they cannot afford to lose.

Source: Fox News