California man accused of defrauding women in $1.3 million real estate scam

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Daejon Labrayae Love, a 35-year-old man from Sacramento County, California, has been indicted for allegedly defrauding at least 26 women out of approximately $1.3 million by posing as a wealthy Swiss real estate investor and a player for the San Francisco 49ers. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Oregon announced the charges, detailing how Love used dating apps to lure victims into fake investment schemes.

According to an FBI affidavit, Love claimed to be part of one of Switzerland’s wealthiest families and stated he was in the U.S. to purchase properties for his family’s commercial real estate business. He also allegedly used the persona of a 49ers wide receiver to bolster his claims of affluence.

Details of the Alleged Scheme

The indictment reveals that Love and his co-conspirator, 18-year-old Taylor Jamie Chan, targeted women across Oregon, Washington, and California between February 2022 and March 2026. They reportedly built romantic relationships through platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge before enticing victims with fabricated investment opportunities, promising high returns on their investments.

Love allegedly showcased videos of luxury items, including homes and designer goods, to convince victims of his wealth. He purportedly offered an “expedited account” for businesses to quickly obtain cash through short-term loans, claiming he could double or triple their money within a week to ten days.

Investigators found that Love used fake bank balances and altered financial documents to create the illusion of legitimacy. In one instance, he reportedly used an app to show a victim a bank account that appeared to hold over $30 million.

Victims and Financial Losses

The affidavit details several cases of victims who lost significant amounts of money. One woman, referred to as G.H., claimed she was promised daily returns of $300 to $400 from a real estate investment trust. After transferring $8,000, she received no returns and was shown manipulated screenshots to suggest her investment was growing.

Another victim, I.H., transferred $7,000 to Love under the pretense of helping her find an apartment, but she never received the promised assistance. A.T., another victim, reported losing $87,500 over a year-long relationship with Love, who convinced her to invest large sums under false pretenses.

Overall, investigators found that the funds obtained from these women were not used for investments but rather for personal expenses, including travel, luxury clothing, and other non-investment-related costs.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

Love appeared in federal court in Portland, Oregon, where he pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. He is currently in custody, with a trial scheduled to begin on December 15. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, along with potential fines and forfeiture of property obtained through the alleged scheme.

The case highlights the ongoing issue of romance scams, particularly those that exploit online dating platforms to defraud unsuspecting individuals. As investigations continue, authorities are urging potential victims to remain vigilant against such fraudulent schemes.

For further details on similar cases, refer to Realtor.com. For more real estate news, visit our Real Estate section.

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