They wore wigs and makeup to pose as NFL players; fake identities helped them secure nearly $20 million in fraudulent loans

Two Georgia men built an elaborate fraud scheme around one extraordinary deception, they pretended to be professional football players to convince lenders to hand over millions of dollars.

Luther Davis and CJ Evins allegedly created fake companies, fabricated financial documents and identities, and even changed their appearance with wigs and makeup when lenders required borrowers to appear on camera.

According to the US Department of Justice, the pair ultimately obtained 12 fraudulent loans, including one that was refinanced, worth a combined $19.845 million.The scheme operated between at least May 2023 and October 2024 and centred on professional athletes whose identities and reputations could make them appear financially attractive to lenders.

Davis and Evins claimed to represent the athletes and used their identities to obtain loans, while ultimately channelling the money into accounts they controlled.

The case came to light after a union representing professional athletes discovered that player contracts used as collateral were fraudulent.How the Georgia men built fake identities around NFL playersAccording to the US Department of Justice, Davis and Evins did more than simply claim to be connected to professional athletes.