FBI Reviews Claims From 35 More Women in Fake 49ers Case

More than 35 additional women have contacted the FBI about alleged fraud connected to Daejon Love, The Guardian reports. Agents are reviewing the new accounts, which could raise the number of potential victims in the dating-app case from 26 to more than 60. Federal prosecutors charged Love and Taylor Chan in August with conspiracy and wire fraud. The original complaint alleges about $1.3 million in losses involving at least 26 women.

Investigators allege that Love presented himself as a San Francisco 49ers player or wealthy real-estate investor after meeting women through dating apps. Chan allegedly posed as a financial adviser and showed false investment gains. Portland FBI Special Agent in Charge Doug Olson said more than 35 additional women came forward after the arrests. KIRO 7 reports that the agency is working to verify whether they were victims. Olson said the volume was unusual for two alleged offenders and warned that similar methods could be copied by other people. The FBI believes more potential victims may not yet have reported their experiences.

The alleged method combined romantic trust, in-person meetings, a luxury image and false investment information. The new accounts may more than double the case’s scale, but they are reports under review, not verified losses or new court findings. Love and Taylor Chan face federal charges and have not been convicted. The 35 additional accounts are reports to the FBI, not verified losses, new criminal counts or court findings. Love and Chan are accused of conspiracy and wire fraud and have not been convicted. The original complaint identifies 26 alleged victims and about $1.3 million; investigators have not published a loss total for the newer claims.