CRAVEN COUNTY, N.C. — A Florida woman accused of orchestrating a multi-million dollar romance scam has been extradited back to North Carolina to face charges.
Craven County deputies confirmed that Christina Julian, a 56-year-old woman from Naples, Florida, was returned to the state last week. Investigators believe Julian scammed approximately $3 million from multiple victims nationwide over a six-year period.
In Craven County alone, authorities allege Julian defrauded a woman out of $139,900. According to arrest warrants, the victim was told the money was needed to help an unidentified man “return to the United States.” Court documents indicate the alleged scam occurred between July 21 and August 28 of last year.
Julian now faces charges of obtaining property by false pretenses exceeding $100,000 and felony exploitation of the elderly. She is currently being held on a $350,000 secured bond.
The case highlights a growing concern outlined by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which reports that millions of people use online dating apps and social media platforms in hopes of finding romance—only to encounter scammers instead.
Romance scammers often create fake profiles on dating platforms or initiate contact through social media sites such as Facebook and Instagram. They work to build trust through frequent communication before fabricating emergencies or financial needs.
Common red flags include claims that the scammer cannot meet in person, requests for money to cover travel, medical expenses, or visas, and instructions to send funds through gift cards, wire transfers, money apps, or cryptocurrency.
The FTC warns that scammers frequently prefer gift cards, as they are difficult to trace or recover. Anyone who has sent money under suspicious circumstances is urged to contact their bank or payment provider immediately and report the incident at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Victims should also notify the dating app or social media platform involved.
Authorities stress one key rule: never send money or gifts to someone you have not met in person.
