WHITTIER, California — A California man has been arrested for allegedly conning romantic partners out of over $2 million through dating apps over a span of nearly three years.
Christopher Earl Lloyd, 39, of Whittier, was charged on Thursday with 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction involving property obtained through fraud, according to federal prosecutors.
Lloyd allegedly used dating platforms like Tinder, Hinge, and Bumble to present himself as a successful investor. According to the indictment returned by a federal grand jury earlier this month, he fabricated professional credentials to gain trust and lure victims into bogus investment schemes.
Prosecutors say Lloyd claimed to be a financial manager, the vice president of Planet 13 Holdings, and an employee at an investment firm called Landmark Associates. He even told victims he had closed multiple real estate deals.
Between April 2021 and February 2024, Lloyd allegedly convinced victims to transfer money and property to him through CashApp, Zelle, wire transfers, or in cash. He told them he had access to lucrative investment opportunities and promised they could withdraw funds at any time.
To further the ruse, he reportedly produced fake contracts and fraudulent investment schedules. Instead of investing the funds, prosecutors say Lloyd used the money for personal expenses, including writing a $40,000 check to a Lexus dealership.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California noted that Lloyd used deception and emotional manipulation to execute the scheme.
If convicted, Lloyd faces up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge and up to 10 years for the monetary transaction count. The FBI is continuing its investigation into the case.
Lloyd’s legal representation has not yet issued a statement regarding the charges.
