Vett, unfortunately there are scammers on every forum on the internet at some time IMO ... I hate it too

They do make a mockery of good peoples' caring ... but it doesn't always have to destroy everything, unless the scammers are in a position of "power" on the forum, which is not the case here.
I'm sorry you are in so much pain
I hope that eventually you will feel that your mistake doesn't erase all your good qualities. **Hugs**