FBI Identified Additional Victims in Romance Fraud Case
Authorities added 35 victims to a wire fraud investigation involving a man posing as a professional athlete.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Financial Crime
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The FBI identified 35 additional potential victims in a romance fraud scheme, bringing the total number of victims to 61. Suspects Daejon Labrayae Love and Taylor Jamie Chan are accused of wire fraud and conspiracy after allegedly stealing $1.3 million from 26 initial victims.
Why it matters
The case highlights the sophisticated use of AI and fake financial documentation by scammers to exploit romantic relationships for financial gain. The suspects reportedly used fabricated investment accounts to deceive victims into believing they were investing in legitimate, high-return ventures.
Daejon Labrayae Love remains in custody in Boise while Taylor Jamie Chan was released pending trial after appearing in federal court in Portland. Both face charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
The players
Daejon Labrayae Love
He is a suspect accused of posing as a professional athlete and developer to orchestrate a widespread romance fraud scheme.
Taylor Jamie Chan
He is a suspect who allegedly acted as a financial investor to assist Love in legitimizing fake accounts during video calls with victims.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
This federal agency is the primary investigative body leading the case against the suspects.
The details
Love allegedly posed as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver and a Swiss real estate developer to defraud victims he met on dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Facebook Dating. The suspects utilized AI-enhanced imagery and falsified financial documents during staged video calls to maintain the deception.
Timeline
February 2022 to March 2025: Love met the majority of the fraud victims.
August 24, 2026: Love and Chan were arrested in Boise.
September 18, 2026: The FBI announced the identification of 35 additional victims.
Legal Context
This investigation illustrates a significant expansion of fraudulent activity following the trend of record-breaking financial losses identified in the 2023 FTC Romance Scam Data report. Prosecution of these crimes remains complex due to the use of international personas and digital obfuscation techniques.
The FBI encourages anyone who believes they were targeted by these individuals to report the activity through official channels. The agency emphasizes the importance of verifying the identity of individuals met on dating apps and never sending money to unverified online connections.
The takeaway
Always exercise caution when interacting with individuals online who claim to be wealthy or high-profile professionals, especially if they request financial investments. Scammers rely on manufactured intimacy and high-tech illusions to bypass the critical judgment of their victims.
What happens next
Daejon Labrayae Love is expected to appear in federal court in Portland next month.
Further reading
For more information on current scams and how to report suspicious activity, visit Financial Crime.
More information
To report suspected fraud or provide information regarding this investigation, visit the FBI tips portal.
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