Please Help , I done got ripped off........?

Hi all, I recently purchased a used Verizon VX11000 envy touch phone, ( I paid 175.00 as is) well I tried to activate it and Verizon told me it had been reported either lost or stolen ( just my luck) well I have no way of finding the @$$hole who sold it to me (long Story) but what I need to know is since I can't get my money back is there any way I can do what they call have it flashed to another carrier and then be able to get it in service, would like to go to Virgin wireless as thats what my wife uses and she has a very good plan that is relatively inexpensive compared to most but any service would definitely be an option. Please Help and Thanks in advance. ( I don't know anything about this flashing process just what I read. )