Victim of an Internet Scam

My name is Teri and I was recently the victim of an internet scam. Normally, I would chock this up to being too trusting, suck it up and move on. However, these folks took all that was left in my savings, leaving me with no way to rectify this situation. 

I have been unemployed for the past two years, desperately looking for work in my industry. To say that my saving has been nearly used up would be an understatement. Just a few weeks ago, I landed a new job. The only sticky wicket has been transportation. The vehicle I usually drive is a 94 GMC Suburban with nearly a half a million miles on it. About 6 weeks ago the engine blew. To fix it was going to take approximately $2500.00. When this happened my husband and I started sharing his vehicle, but our work shedules differ just enough that the result is a lot of wear and tear on our one remaining car. So I thought, since I am now working, I can use what is left in savings to purchse a second vehicle or pay to get my old car fixed. So I started looking online. After a few days of looking, I stumbled across an ad on a local FB "For Sale" page for a car that would have been perfect. In fact, that offer was so good, I didn't hesitate to jump it. It was a 2008 Honda CRV for only $2000. This was going to be cheaper than paying to get my Suburban fixed! I contacted the email address associated with the post and started the transaction with the person selling the car.

Too make a long story short, I was scammed. I fell hook line and sinker! I was so blinded by what a great deal this was, that I was an easy target. These scam artists posed as eBay, even sending fairly convincing eBay emails with instructions to follow. I am now out my entire savings, I don't have the car I thought I was purchasing, I don't have money to get my existing vehicle fixed and I don't have any way to rectify this horrible situation. I have filed claims with numerous law enforcement agencies, my financial institutions and offered to tell my story to any and all news outlets in order to keep others from falling victim to this scam. So far, none of these agencies can help me. Although there is an ongoing investigation, that may still turn up my missing money, I am hopeful, but not holding my breath. 

I know this isn't your problem. I want you to understand how devastated and embarrassed I feel. I wouldn't even ask you folks, knowing times are tough for everybody, if I didn't need some help. I know I was naive, gullible and just downright stupid. However, this scam has left me in a terrible bind. I am hoping that my caring friends and family will help me get back on my feet. I'd even be willing to barter or trade, to help make it worth your while. I pride myself on my photography, fine art and graphic design skills. Heck, maybe you have a car you aren't using that could be traded for.  I don't want a hand out, just a hand up.