Sorry to hear about the scam.

As you used Paypal, you can try to dispute it and get your money back: https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/security/seller-dispute-resolution

Use escrow next time. You can find escrows here or use the built-in escrow of xbtfreelancer.com (trusted bitcoin freelance website). In the case of a scam or problems, the escrow can handle the dispute and give your money back.

If you want to take legal action, contact a lawyer with knowledge about US business law. However the expenses may be too high to justify legal action for $1500.