What is the penalty for stealing trust?

All right, I guess I'm a sucker, the one born every minute. I trust too easily, apparently, and I get hurt as a result. The first time I trusted and was burned happened long, long ago. I tried not to be that sucker again, but I was over and over, but to lesser degrees. I didn't completely trust unconditionally.

Then about seven years ago, I allowed myself to be persuaded that someone really cared about me. I was leery at first, but over time, I found myself caring about a young woman very much, as if she were an adopted daughter. Oh, I didn't lose anything material-wise. In fact she gave to me, and gave and gave, even when I wanted her not to give more.

No, what I lost was emotional. I grew to care so much, and she dropped out of my life without warning over a year ago, never to be heard from or of again. The last message I received said she would be in touch more often.

She didn't steal anything of material worth, not at all, just my faith and trust.

Did I learn? Oh, no, not me. I think I can trust a man who rebuilds computers. I send him money, paid out the expense before he sent the laptop, one I need so much. Then it never comes. I contact him, and he has a credible excuse, promises to have it to me by a certain date. Then he has another excuse, and I don't have a laptop. Now he's not available, and neither is my laptop or money.

But what hurts most is my trust was stolen again. What's the saying? Live and learn? I think I've finally learned.