I have had about three bad deals in my ten years of internet buying/selling/trading on knife forums, photography forums and ebay. In all three instances I was able to get my money or goods returned when I (a) threatened to contact that person's local police department and (b) let them know I would also be filing a formal complain with the post office for mail fraud. All three times it worked. If he is still residing in the U.S. you may stand a chance at getting a refund. I've been able to get reimbursement from an overseas buyer though, so it's not out of the question.