The criminal route IS the way to go and yes they can and do get your money , if he is a registered dealer he should be BONDED , you would go against his bond . Does your legal person have any DMV/title experience ? most don't , and do not have a clue about DMV/Title Law . Trust me , it's what I did for 31 years . The truck you have does NOT belong to you , how do you know if it's stolen and/or has stolen parts . You need to step back and look at the big picture . PM if you want I would be more than happy to give you some advise . BTW , forget the money , if you get ANYTHING back that's great , most times you win the battle but lose the war , Bob k