The scheme involves a California man accused of impersonating a San Francisco 49ers football player to defraud women of more than $1 million. — Federal authorities have identified 35 additional potential victims in an ongoing romance scam investigation stretching across multiple states.
The scheme involves a California man accused of impersonating a San Francisco 49ers football player to defraud women of more than $1 million.
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The criminal case targets Daejon Love, a California native, along with alleged 18-year-old co-conspirator Taylor Chan. Federal investigators report the suspects used elaborate digital deception to build trust with victims and the FBI is encouraging any additional victims to step forward safely.
Investigators said the suspects created fake social media accounts and shared fake football workout videos to trick women into trusting them.
They also produced fake bank account statements displaying millions of dollars. To prevent potential victims from discovering suspicious information during routine online searches, the suspects used artificial intelligence to manipulate search engine results on Google.
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The case has generated widespread public attention and online commentary, with some social media users mocking the victims. Douglas Olson, special agent in charge with the Portland FBI, emphasized that the victims were targeted through calculated deception.
“Victims in this case were targeted precisely because they were trusting, responsible people who believed they were building genuine relationships and legitimate financial futures,” Olson said.
He addressed the online reaction, noting the negative impact of public mockery.
“It has drawn a ton of attention from the public and unfortunately, some of that attention has included jokes, mockery and commentary that unfairly targets and blames the victims in the case,” Olson said.
Olson warned against placing fault on those who were deceived.
“Victim blaming is unjust and it’s harmful and it overlooks the calculated, highly manipulated lengths these individuals went to in order to deceive and exploit others,” Olson said.
Public records indicate Love has held addresses in Stockton, Walnut Creek and Southern California.
Olson urged members of the public to verify online relationships through independent means.
“I think you can exercise some healthy skepticism, but also verify with other real people and individuals, not just on the internet,” Olson said.
CNN Newsource contributed to this report.
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