..I do know there are statue of limitations on rip offs like this but it most likely varies from state to state.
As well, it may depend on the contract. A verbal agreement in some cases can hold up in court..but a written contract is always admissible. Do you have any kind of a contract? I understand by the report you were younger and made some decisions that were not the smartest..we all have done that one time or another..but this was an expensive one. I hope you didn't pay this scammer $3000.00 without a written contract.
You should have done this sooner but I imagine you thought it would cost you money. You need to find out if you can still take this clown to court by checking your state laws. Granted this would be easier to have an attorney do, but you should be able to find something online or by asking around. The public library may be able to help you look up the specific laws regarding fraud and breach of contract.
Next..the contract. In layman's terms if there is something in the contract that is blatantly unfair to you (well one party or the other), the contract can be deemed void and you would have some recourse. That would require someone steeped in contract law to determine, and then a Judge would have to agree. This decision is often up for interpretation and can be subjective. But typically it will help win a case if it is obvious and the Judge is unbiased.
If there is no contract at all..things get more difficult, especially as time goes on. If you can contact others who were ripped off by the company/person and you might be able to pool some money together for a lawyer. Class Action is always an option but then you sign away any rights to sue the company/individual personally, and the lawyer(s) get a hefty chunk. You can always consider a small claims suit..but once again if there is no contract, or the contract was written in a way that it was not breached by the other party, or was not unfair (does show good faith) to both parties, you may not have a chance of winning. It does not however cost much to file for a small claims.
You might want to click this link
Can you collect on a verbal agreement? as well as internet search the same on your own..and see if your case meets the requirements to hold up in court in your state.
Of course the best and easiest thing to happen would be for this person to have a change of heart and repent by making good. I imagine this can happen, but probably one in a million chance if that.
