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.
The estimated value of an asset at the end of its useful life. Salvage value is ignored by ACRS and MACRS rules.