Yep... my first-ever Bitcoin transaction turned out to be a scam also. Did hundreds of transactions in fiat over the internet without any issues, even with perhaps a little bit dodgy sellers via eBay-like sites. But never before. Kind of disturbing that there are more people that can say the same... first Bitcoin transaction, got scammed right away. I have read so many stories like this.
Luckily it wasn't for a huge amount for me (around 150 euro). I guess for us "newbies" it can be a wise lesson.
Due to the nature of BTC people feel anonymous and thus immune to the law. And unfortunately in many countries, that is probably true. Law enforcement has no friggin' clue where to ever start on investigating this. I filed a police report the other day and included blockchain links but I'm pretty sure they will just can it.
While it sucks to lose money to a scammer, to me, it sucks even more that now a lowlife scammer has your hard-earned cash/BTC. That's the worst part. Aside from the fact of course that you lose that much again in faith in how humans interact with eachother. What the f*ck is wrong with you if you think you are entitled to something someone else has? Complete lack of morals. I mean, how would they feel if we stole their stuff?
My advice... which I had gotten from someone else and chose not to follow...:
Make a rule for yourself.
No escrow = no transaction. I mean it, you are going to get conned out of money otherwise, it's only a matter of time! No matter how good the deal might be. Even if the deal is just "regular" (normal price, normal everything..., was the case for me). Just save yourself the trouble and the anger.
To all the scammers and thieves out there, I hope hell is real and your burn in it forever, cause you are even more worthless than a pile of dogshit. Get off my planet xD. I hope your next transactions go better and that you get a break.
Buy some LTC or NMC and trade it up, you will make it back in no time.