((seeker1950)) - I'm sorry this happened to you. You're not stupid, just a trusting person. In the old days, a good hand shake would secure a deal, but that's hard to find today. Do you have an assertive male family member or friend who could call him? Does he work for himself or a company - if it's a company, you have the male friend tell him, to bring the check on a specified day or else his company will be notified. Don't give up yet. All you can do is learn for next time - don't feel bad.