You can claim a theft loss if this scam amounts to a theft under state law. Usually, the taking of money through fraud or misrepresentation constitutes a theft loss. If so, then you must itemize deductions, reduce the loss by $100, and deduct only amounts in excess of 10% of your adjusted gross income.
Depreciable property used in a trade or business and held for more than a year. All Section 1231 gains and losses are netted; a net gain is treated as capital gain, a net loss as an ordinary loss.