It’s not a waste of time to go to court to get your judgment.

If you are owed your deposit back, you can go to court and ask the judge to order it be returned to you. There’s minimal cost for small claims court.

If the defendant does not show, you win by default. Then take the abstract of judgment to the recorder’s office and record it. That will attach any assets that he may own in the County.

Chance are pretty good that you’ll eventually collect. Remember, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don’t let those FBs get away.