Help! Legal eagles how to deal with web scam stolen money?

Question

Just to get it out of the way, I know all ready. I was stupid. Now I would like to know where to go from here. Problem:
I purchased a Louis Vuitton pet carrier from a person on craigslist. They seemed as honest as you can seem for a stranger. I sent a money order to New Jersey for almost $500. The person said they would send it by Priority Mail /signature receipt and would call me with the tracking number. There was no call. After 2 weeks, I started to worry and asked for a copy of the tracking receipt. She said it got lost. I asked for a copy of the original receipt and "it was in the package". I asked for a copy of the report to the post office that the package was lost and communication (by email) stopped.
I called the Union City police and they said it is not for them to deal with.
If you want to criticize, go ahead, but what I really want are some ideas of next steps.
Thanks.

Answer 1

Go to the US postal inspectors web site for the on-line report filing. Don't expect them to do much unless they can link it with up to 11k in theft. But you never know how many others have not received their kitty boxes.

Answer 2

BELIEVE IT OR NOT --TRY THE SECRET SERVICE