Originally Posted by BoilerUpXFire

If you did originate the transaction through proper channels, such as Paypal, I would initiate proceedings with them to get the money back, if you simply were sending cash across the country in hopes of eventually getting a brake kit, you may be SOL.

Do you even have a personal phone number or address for him? In some cases you can contact his local police and get some traction that way, depending on where he lives.