Long thread.

Am I missing something ?

OP was defrauded by known crook.

OP posted here looking for help.

OP got numerous suggestions but no one willing to confront crook FTF.

Guess I'd be rounding up some pals and make a (real) road trip.

Hidden message here is: always use USPS M.O.s because postal fraud is a real crime. Also they are easy to validate on-line.