This is strictly for the OP and all other CAG members who feel they have been scammed. First, read my post regarding what you can do when you think you have been scammed
here.
Next, you need to understand a few things: trading/doing business over the internet with a third party is risky to say the least. We all know this, but please understand that we feel sorry for you, but at the same time, this is what can happen. Unfortunately, you may not be able to recoup your property and/or payment at this point without some sort of help from law enforcement. The next steps...
1.) The first step you must take is to contact your local law enforcement office and file a report. Save any and all correspondence with the individual for evidence and let them know that you have information such as name, address, etc. This will help out the police in their investigation. However, the name and address that the person provided to you may also be false. Scammers use aliases and "drop houses" (houses that have been scoped out by the thieves as a safe haven to retrieve goods from a house that is not actually involved in the scam. Many times, the people don't even know that their house is a "drop house.") Please keep that in mind. Also, contact
IC3 and file a complaint against the individual(s).
2.) Try to keep communication between you and the person to a minimum. Why? Because the more you contact them, the more it looks like you're involved. IF the person contacts you, contact the officer that took your report and give him/her the correspondence. This will help you and the officer in the investigation.
3.) The good news: mail fraud (which is what "scamming" really is) is considered a federal crime. Using the USPS to distribute and/or commit illegal and illicit activities carries harsh felony penalties if the person(s) is caught and brought to trial. Plus, if the package(s) are distributed across state lines, I believe (I'm not 100% sure on this) that any and all states involved can also file charges against the individual depending on the states' laws. In other words, if the person is caught, they go to jail. Oh and not just "any" jail, but rather federal prison. The United States does not take mail fraud lying down.
4.) The bad news: most scammers are rarely ever caught. If the scammers use aliases and fake addresses, it will be harder to bring them to justice. Please be aware of this fact.
So, I hope that everyone involved with this "scammer" can have a better understanding of what to do if they feel they have been scammed. The best thing you can do is contact your local law enforcement, who will then contact the correct federal authorities to investigate. If you have any other questions, please contact a mod for assistance. Thanks and good luck!