A social media user identified online as Julian Cara has deactivated her X account after posts circulated linking her to Daejon Labrayae Love, the 35-year-old man federal prosecutors say posed as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver while scamming women out of more than $1.3 million.
The deactivation followed days of online discussion after the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced charges against Love and alleged accomplice Taylor Jamie Chan, 18. Love and Chan were arrested Aug. 24 at Boise Airport in Idaho and charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Prosecutors say the scheme ran from February 2022 until the arrests. Love met most of the women on dating apps including Tinder, Bumble, Hinge and Facebook Dating. He presented himself as an NFL player or a wealthy real estate investor, posted photos in 49ers gear, and used names including Jon Love, Daejon Love, Avril Lyto Love and Jordan Love. Chan allegedly posed as Love’s financial adviser on calls meant to make fake investment accounts look real.
Investigators have identified 26 victims in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho and say they believe there are more. Financial records show Love and Chan received about $1.3 million. None of the interviewed victims reported getting returns or repaid loans. When money ran out or questions increased, Love typically blocked the women, prosecutors said.
The 49ers and the NFL told investigators Love was never employed by the team or the league. Court filings describe Instagram posts and videos of Love in team equipment, including a clip in which he appears to “sign” with the 49ers. OutKick previously circulated similar footage. Love was arrested with about $3,000 and a 49ers helmet, according to a detention memo.
Cara’s X account going dark became a talking point among users who said she had been connected to Love. Those claims have not been independently confirmed by court filings, which do not publicly name individual victims. Cara has not issued a public statement that could be verified.
The case is a reminder of how easily a polished sports persona travels on dating apps. Love’s alleged pitch mixed romance, fake wealth and NFL branding. Chan’s role as a supposed adviser added a layer of legitimacy on FaceTime. Victims were sometimes told to take out personal loans, prosecutors said.
Love and Chan remain in federal custody. Additional victims may still come forward. Anyone who believes they were targeted can contact the FBI.
The 49ers organization has not issued a detailed public comment beyond confirming Love had no affiliation with the club.
