Florida Woman Accused of $3M Romance Scam

Authorities say Christina Jane Julian targeted victims across the country over 6 years.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:47pm

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A 56-year-old Florida woman named Christina Jane Julian has been accused of running a nationwide romance scam that defrauded victims of approximately $3 million over the last six years. Julian was extradited from Florida to North Carolina on January 21, 2026 and charged with felony obtaining property by false pretense in excess of $100,000 and felony exploiting the elderly.

Why it matters

Romance scams have become increasingly common as more people turn to online dating and social media to find relationships. These scams can have devastating financial and emotional impacts on victims, many of whom are elderly or vulnerable. This case highlights the scale and sophistication of these schemes and the need for greater awareness and protection against them.

The details

According to investigators, the Craven County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina received a report on December 22, 2025 involving a romance scam in excess of $100,000. The investigation identified Christina Jane Julian as the perpetrator, and revealed that she had received approximately $3 million over the last six years from multiple victims across the country through these scams. Julian is currently being held in North Carolina on a $350,000 secured bond, and the investigation is ongoing.

  • On December 22, 2025, the Craven County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina received a report involving a romance scam in excess of $100,000.
  • On January 21, 2026, Christina Jane Julian was extradited from Florida to North Carolina.

The players

Christina Jane Julian

A 56-year-old woman from Naples, Florida who is accused of running a nationwide romance scam that defrauded victims of approximately $3 million over the last six years.

Craven County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency in North Carolina that received the initial report of a romance scam in excess of $100,000 and led the investigation that identified Christina Jane Julian as the perpetrator.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Christina Jane Julian out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of romance scams, which can have devastating financial and emotional impacts on victims. It underscores the need for greater public awareness and education about these schemes, as well as stronger protections and enforcement measures to hold perpetrators accountable.