someone ripped me off on a different site, non- shooting/hunting realted, where "trust" and ones word was valued (much like here).
No paypal, non binding contact, etc. No recourse at all.
I went the route you and the 24hcf guys are starting to go on this thread. I contacted parents, siblings, and called the church that his mother belonged to.
I was in the process of looking for his employer when the merchandise (along with a ridiculous story) suddenly appeared.
POINT BEING if the authorities do not take up the case, you can be very creative within the boundaries of the law.