Man Posed as Adult Film Star in Phishing Scam Targeting NFL, NBA Players

Kwamaine Jerell Ford charged with wire fraud, computer fraud, identity theft, and sex trafficking in elaborate scheme

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:25am

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Kwamaine Jerell Ford, a 34-year-old man from Buford, Georgia, has been charged with a 22-count indictment for allegedly running a phishing scam that targeted NFL and NBA players. Ford is accused of posing as a female adult film star online to obtain login credentials for the players' Apple accounts, allowing him to steal their financial information and make unauthorized purchases. The scheme later evolved into a sex trafficking operation, with Ford allegedly coercing a woman into engaging in commercial sex acts with the unsuspecting athletes.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and identity theft targeting professional athletes, who are often high-profile victims. It also raises concerns about the exploitation and trafficking of vulnerable individuals. The case underscores the need for enhanced cybersecurity measures and awareness among athletes, as well as stronger laws and enforcement to combat these types of complex fraud and trafficking schemes.

The details

According to prosecutors, Ford's scheme began as early as November 2020 while he was in federal custody. He allegedly used phishing tactics to obtain login credentials for the athletes' Apple accounts, allowing him to access their financial information and make unauthorized purchases. Ford is also accused of posing as the adult film star online, luring the athletes into providing their account information under the guise of receiving explicit videos. In May 2021, Ford allegedly recruited a woman, falsely promising to advance her modeling career, and coerced her into engaging in commercial sex acts with the athletes, secretly filming the encounters without their knowledge or consent.

  • In March 2019, Ford was convicted of a similar phishing scheme targeting athletes and rappers.
  • In November 2020, Ford allegedly began the more recent phishing and sex trafficking scheme while in federal custody.
  • On March 13, 2026, Ford pleaded not guilty to the 22 charges against him.
  • Ford was released from federal custody in January 2022.

The players

Kwamaine Jerell Ford

A 34-year-old man from Buford, Georgia, who has been charged with a 22-count indictment for allegedly running a phishing scam and sex trafficking scheme targeting NFL and NBA players.

NFL Players Association

The union representing NFL players, which alerted certified agents that their athletes may have been targeted by Ford's scheme.

Theodore S. Hertzberg

The U.S. Attorney who stated that Ford allegedly engaged in the same criminal conduct he was previously convicted of, and went even further by using a fraudulent online persona to traffic a young woman.

Peter Ellis

The acting special agent in charge of the FBI's Atlanta office, who said that Ford clearly did not learn from his prior conviction and escalated his criminal activity to include coercion and sex trafficking.

Nicki Jhabvala

An Athletic reporter who contributed to the report on Ford's alleged scheme.

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What they’re saying

“Kwamaine Ford clearly did not learn from his prior conviction for a similar scheme. This time, he allegedly escalated his criminal activity — stealing identities and money while also moving into coercion and sex trafficking. The FBI's dedicated agents remain committed to staying ahead of schemes like this and protecting the public from individuals who exploit and harm others for personal gain.”

— Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Kwamaine Jerell Ford out on bail pending his trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of cybercrime and identity theft targeting high-profile individuals like professional athletes, as well as the disturbing intersection of fraud, exploitation, and sex trafficking. It underscores the need for enhanced security measures, stronger laws, and vigilant law enforcement to combat these complex and evolving criminal schemes.