You should also notify the Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Consumer Protection. Notify the police in the city they are in doing business in. This type of fraud is generally outside the local authorities' jurisdiction, so they may not be able to do much. Local authorities usually are very sympathetic, and glad to know of the activities of these rip-off companies. It is also satisfying to know that the police will have a record of your complaint.
Most fraud goes unreported.
Many Inventors are embarrassed to admit they were taken. No one likes to admit that they were outsmarted and bilked. Don't be embarrassed if you were conned out of your hard earned money. If enough people complain and spread the word about these companies and their fraudulent practices, perhaps we will get them shut down. I hope this advice and information will prevent many Inventors from becoming victims ,and persuade Inventors who have been victimized to report it to the proper authorities.