[markdown]

Do you not have small claims court? They're usually free.

[BizarroLand]

Even if they're not free, they're pretty inexpensive. Worst case you have to pay to have the other side served.

Also, if you decide to use a lawyer and either you or the person who defrauded you lives in certain states, you can also tack on attorney fees:

https://www.trysmallclaims.com/blog/small-claims-court-attor...