Handyman Services scam

so I was looking for a carpenter/handy man to build custom cabinets in my home. I also had several miscellaneous projects which are too small for big companies but perfect for a handyman running a 1 man show. Since I wanted to use only referrals, and since none were available from family and friends, I thought YELP would be the ideal referral "go to" site. In my experience "yelp" reviews have always worked out. Well not this time. JAMES BONANOMI duped me of $2,500/-, he's disappeared and will not return calls or respond to texts/emails. He said the job was too small to write up a contract and me trusting all the 5 star reviews believed him and transferred $2,500 from my bank account to his bank account as down payment for material. Thereafter he promised me that the cabinets would be completed within 2 weeks during which he would send me pics of progress. Within 2 days I realized that a tweak needed to be made in the design and I promptly called him upon which he feigned illness and thereafter disappeared. I URGE that none use JAMES BONANOMI services, if you want to prevent losing money. Since I had no contract, I do not know what next action I can take other than report to BBB. If anyone has any advice please post. I also hope and pray that James conscience will guide him to return my money. James has destroyed my faith and trust in all vendors.