California Man Faces 14 Federal Charges in $2M Dating App Investment Scam

A 39-year-old man from Whittier, California, has been indicted on 14 federal charges for allegedly scamming over $2 million from victims on dating apps. Christopher Earl Lloyd, the accused, is accused of posing as a financially successful and knowledgeable investor to lure individuals into sending money and property, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Central District of California. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury in July, claims that Lloyd used dating platforms such as Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble to build relationships with victims over nearly three years. He allegedly fabricated his credentials, claiming to have closed multiple properties, worked as a financial manager for years, and held positions at companies such as Planet 13 Holdings and Landmark Associates, though none of these statements were true.

Prosecutors stated that Lloyd used the money sent by victims for his own benefit, with examples including a withdrawal of $40,000 in May 2023 to purchase a car. He also allegedly signed contracts with victims specifying investments and setting false return schedules, leading victims to send money via wire transfers, Cash App, Zelle, or cash payments. The charges include 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from the fraud. If convicted, Lloyd could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count, and up to 10 years for the monetary transaction count. The FBI is currently investigating the matter.

Additionally, prosecutors have referenced recent fraud cases involving a UK man accused of a $99 million wine fraud scheme and an Armenian fraud ring accused of stealing $30 million from small business loans during the pandemic. These cases highlight the ongoing enforcement of financial fraud investigations across the globe. The indictment underscores the dangers of online scams and the importance of verifying the credibility of individuals who claim to have financial expertise, especially on platforms where personal connections are often formed.