Maybe brother in law can help you find a local lawyer, and vouch for you to secure a one on one phone interview. The lawyer only has to be in your brother-in-law's state. This sounds like an identity issue with broken promises. It will cost some money, but if your 'life savings' doesn't amount to a great deal (except to you) you might be able to secure a cheap resolution. Lawyers love to make threatening noises and if there is documented hardship to you a good one might even smell added 'damages'.