Hello all!

Recently I made a deal with someone on Facebook for a large sealed collection of Pokemon cards and some valuable singles as well. The total purchase was $1600. He had timestamped photos, previous reviews, and was in the same collector groups as me so it seemed innocuous enough. Sadly, and shame on me, I did the transaction through Zelle. He provided tracking and updates.

When the packages arrived they were empty with a few random cards thrown in to add insult to injury. Here is where I am trying to figure out if I have any legal recourse:

1. I've discovered his real name and location due to him using his real cell number to continue communication with me.

2. I have saved all the chats and have record of the agreed upon deal, including pictures of the agreed upon cards and sealed products.

3. The weights/sizes of the shipments he sent (which I kept and documented) are I'm boxes far too small to have ever contained the agreed upon products, showing his initial intent to commit fraud and also preventing him from claiming the packages were opened and the products removed.

Is there any means to recoup my loss? I know that Zelle will never reverse the charges, but I'm more wondering if it is possible to prove he was scamming to begin with and take legal action.

Thank you all for your time and advice.