News Summary
Christopher Earl Lloyd was arrested for allegedly defrauding victims of over $2 million through romance scams on dating apps. The 39-year-old man’s indictment includes 14 counts, with allegations that he exploited victims by posing as a successful businessman and soliciting investments in fraudulent schemes. The FBI is continuing its investigation into the case, which raises awareness about online relationship risks.
Whittier, California – A 39-year-old man, Christopher Earl Lloyd, was arrested on July 24, 2025, for allegedly defrauding victims of more than $2 million through romance scams on various dating apps. The arrest followed an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on July 2, 2025, on 14 counts, which include 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction involving property derived from fraud.
Lloyd is slated to appear for arraignment in the United States District Court in Santa Ana on the same day as his arrest. The alleged fraudulent activities reportedly took place between April 2021 and February 2024, during which Lloyd utilized popular dating platforms, including Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble, to build romantic relationships with his victims.
According to court documents, Lloyd misrepresented himself as a successful businessman with a background in finance. He falsely claimed to have closed multiple real estate deals and portrayed himself as a vice president of Planet 13 Holdings, along with extensive experience as a financial manager. None of these assertions were true, as he lacked the professional credentials he professed.
Engaging in what appeared to be genuine romance, Lloyd persuaded victims to invest in what he claimed were lucrative investment opportunities. He assured them that they would receive consistent returns on their investments and that withdrawing their funds would be simple. Victims received signed contracts detailing the fraudulent investment schemes and false promises regarding return schedules.
Many victims unknowingly provided their funds through various methods, including wire transfers, Cash App, Zelle, and cash payments, trusting Lloyd’s reassurance of safe investments. However, instead of directing the money towards any investments, Lloyd used the funds for personal expenses. One significant incident reported occurred in May 2023, when Lloyd allegedly withdrew $40,000 from a victim and utilized the sum to purchase a Lexus car in Mission Viejo.
The cumulative financial damage inflicted on the victims has been reported to exceed $2 million. If convicted, Lloyd faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years for the monetary transaction count.
The ongoing investigation into Lloyd’s activities is being conducted by the FBI, with Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fu assigned to manage the prosecution. The case serves as a significant warning regarding the potential dangers of trusting individuals met through online platforms.
This alarming situation highlights the risks associated with online relationships, where individuals may exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain. Victims are urged to conduct thorough research and exercise caution when providing personal or financial information to someone they have met online.
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HERE Resources
California Man Arrested for $2 Million Romance Scam
Additional Resources
- KTLA News
- The New York Times
- LA Downtown News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Online Dating
- The Washington Post
- Google News: Romance Scams
