Women Describe Dating-App Scam Behind $1.3M Federal Case
Federal prosecutors accuse Daejon Love of using dating apps and a false image as a wealthy 49ers player or investor to gain women’s trust, with Taylor Chan allegedly posing as his financial adviser. The case identifies 26 women and about $1.3 million in alleged losses; both men face charges, not convictions.
Federal prosecutors have charged Daejon Labrayae Love, 35, and Taylor Jamie Chan, 18, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud. They allege that Love used dating apps and false claims of wealth to build romantic trust, while Chan posed as a financial adviser. Investigators have identified 26 women and about $1.3 million in alleged losses. Domonique DuBose told the San Francisco Chronicle that she matched with Love on Hinge and received photos, video calls and financial images supporting his claim that he had played for the San Francisco 49ers. She blocked him after a friend familiar with the team said Love had not been on its roster.
A second woman, whom the Chronicle allowed to remain anonymous because of professional concerns, said Love arrived for an outing in a Lamborghini and later persuaded her to withdraw $10,000 for a supposed property investment. She said his communication faded and he eventually blocked her. The sworn FBI affidavit says Love met most identified victims through Tinder, Bumble, Hinge and Facebook Dating. It alleges that he posed as a 49ers player or wealthy Swiss investor, used false bank and investment balances, and joined three-way FaceTime calls in which Chan appeared as his adviser. Federal agents arrested both men at Boise Airport on August 24. The Justice Department says none of the identified victims reported receiving the promised returns or full loan repayment, and the FBI believes there may be additional victims.
The accounts show why a convincing video call, luxury car or large follower count is not the same as independent verification. One woman avoided losing money after checking Love’s claimed football history with someone familiar with the team. The federal allegations and reported losses still await a court’s judgment. Love and Chan face federal charges, not convictions. The complaint records an FBI agent’s probable-cause allegations, while the two women’s experiences are attributed to their interviews with the Chronicle. A court has not yet decided the defendants’ guilt or the final amount of any loss.