CAVEAT EMPTOR When things go wrong

Internet business is fun and problem free....most of the time. But sometimes problems arise.
I tend to think I am fairly cautious in most cases. But sometimes crooks find a way to rip you off one way or another. Well, with me , my weak point is that I trust people I think I know. I can't think that people are up to something bad all the time.
Last October a former European Street member on Etsy offered to make merchant website for other members. As the price was interesting (200 eur,well, that should have been the first warning sign) I took the offer on. She didn't want the transaction to be made through Etsy (second warning sign). I paid in 4 installments...and , well, you guessed the rest. No website. Not much communication from the "webmaster" and that person also stopped being active on Etsy (though she is back now under an other username). I keep getting the same answers "I am working on it" or "you're not getting my emails". Right. Doesn't say much about a webmaster who can't even send an email to the right address. And those crooks have a way to make YOU feel bad when THEY are the one doing something WRONG. I know for a fact she is not working on my website because my FTP (Internet host) hasn't been accessed at all during all that time.
I also should have done some researches, I would have seen she abandoned 2 of her previous Etsy shops after various feedbacks for non-delivery.
Also I am not the only victim :(
As most of you know, I already have a lawyer (for the numerous house problems) so last time I had him on the phone I asked for advice.
Today I started the chargeback process. It makes me sad and disgusted. If the Paypal process doesn't work (as deadlines are long gone) I'll have to turn to my CC company. Lawyer also suggested I file a police complaint on http://www.ecops.be/ for internet fraud.
*Sigh*, another lawsuit.

So here's a few reminders for online transactions (yes, you know them, I knew them too):
1. Don't accept "off" website transactions on sites like Etsy, Ebay...
2. Never let Paypal deadlines expire. It's only 45 days, but you can still complain to them after that (they recommand it too, so they know whom they're dealing with)
3. Don't trust "friends" when it comes to large sums of money ( not a fun advice, I know). Let's face it, you always think you know the person who rips you off.