FBI says more than 60 people may have fallen victim to 49ers impersonation scam
Federal investigators have identified over 60 potential victims of a fraud scheme in which a man posed as a San Francisco 49ers player and an accomplice acted as his financial adviser, stealing more than $1.3 million.
Federal agents announced that the number of possible victims of a fraud scheme involving a man who pretended to be a San Francisco 49ers player has risen to more than 60, up from 35 newly identified cases. The investigation attributes the scheme to Darjean Love, 35, and Taylor Chan, 18, who together allegedly took over $1.3 million from individuals they targeted.
"We were surprised how many people were victimized in such a short period of time and then to have that many more come forward," FBI agent Doug Olson said at a news conference. "It’s a large volume for just a couple of subjects. Our concern is that this fraud could be replicated by other individuals that are out there victimizing other people in similar schemes."
Olson added that the FBI expects additional victims may be identified and urged anyone affected not to hesitate to report the crime, emphasizing that fear of embarrassment should not deter them.
According to the agents, the perpetrators used a combination of fabricated identities, fake investment accounts, staged video calls and AI-generated personas to convince victims, who were described as "trusting, responsible people" seeking legitimate financial opportunities. The San Francisco 49ers organization said it had no prior knowledge of Love or any reports about him before learning of the case from the FBI in August.
The FBI continues to investigate the scheme and is advising the public to remain vigilant against offers that appear too good to be true.