Help Felix, a scam victim get back on his feet

Hello everyone, my name is Felix. Recently, I’ve received news that my current landlord wanted to increase my rent close to 50% from my original amount if I were to renew my lease. So, I decided to try to find a whole unit to rent with some of my friends.

That being said, we managed to find a decently priced unit. Little did we know that it was a scam. The scammer was impersonating an actual licensed agent. He requested for me to pay 1+1 (1 month deposit + 1 months rent) to secure the unit as many others were gunning for it too. I was skeptical at first, but after checking the CEA public registry, asking my friends mom who works in the same company to confirm he’s an actual agent, and talking with several real estate friends; everything seems to point that this would not be a scam.

I didn’t have enough funds as I’m a freelancer and my pay is very inconsistent, so I went to borrow funds from friends to pay. Then on the day of viewing itself, he did not show up. I managed to find another number to call and that was when the actual agent picked up, and said he had been receiving calls and someone is impersonating him. That was when I realized I got scammed. I have lodged a police report and called the bank, but they said they’re not sure if the money will ever get back.

With my current predicament, I am earnestly asking for your help, to raise the funds I have been scammed from so I can return my friends the borrowed money and I can get back on my feet. I work freelance so my pay is quite inconsistent and I have yet to receive my income for the month yet. My bank account currently has less than $1000 and I had to borrow money from relatives just to get by and to find a new place to lease. I’m just hoping to get the money back so I can return them as soon as possible.

Any help would be greatly appreciated