CALIFORNIA – The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced that a California man was arrested July 24 on a 14-count federal indictment alleging he used dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble to scam victims out of more than $2 million.
Christopher Earl Lloyd, 39, of Whittier, is set to be arraigned on felony charges this afternoon in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana.
Lloyd faces 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
According to the July 2 indictment, Lloyd used dating apps to build romantic relationships with victims from April 2021 to February 2024. He misled victims into believing he was wealthy and investment savvy.
Lloyd falsely claimed to have closed real estate deals, worked as a longtime financial manager, and held roles at Planet 13 Holdings and Landmark Associates.
None of these statements were true.
Lloyd caused over $2 million in victim losses
Lloyd tricked victims into giving him money and property by promising lucrative investment opportunities.
He told victims he would invest their money, promised regular returns, and said they could withdraw funds at any time.
Lloyd backed his lies by signing fake contracts and creating false investment return schedules. Victims sent him money via wire transfer, Cash App, Zelle, or cash, which he used for personal gain.
For example, Lloyd allegedly used $40,000 from a victim to write a check to a Lexus dealership in Mission Viejo.
Faces up to 20 years per wire fraud count
In total, Lloyd caused over $2 million in victim losses.
If convicted, Lloyd faces up to 20 years in prison per wire fraud count and 10 years for the money laundering count.
An indictment alleges a crime, but defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The FBI is investigating this matter.
 announced that a California man was arrested July 24 on a 14-count federal indictment alleging he used dating apps like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble to scam victims out of more than $2 million.){kind=link}