It SUCKS that this happened.
You know, rules are rules, yes, and I understand your boss is super angry, but really, from a broader perspective - do we want to go through life looking at anyone as a potential bad person?
I'm saying this because I hope we don't. People are generally good, and yes there probably were some alarm bells ringing, but hey, you work hard, Bambi works hard, a lot of people in the store work hard, and sometimes you make a call that 'seems' to be for the better good. And one out of a hundred it isn't.
I'm saying we should focus on the 99 times it does all work out.
It sucks you can't do a lot. Maybe let someone look into the meta data of the bank file the scammer sent you, sometimes in that meta data there's a name of a computer or even the owner, which might give you an extra lead.
That's all I can say to and do for you right now. Keep your head high! This person is clearly a hardened and smooth thief, used to scamming and not easily scared. You were not fooled by 'just another' one.
You are so right babe.
I must say that living in Africa, I think both @morkrock and I are waaay more sceptical than the average European or American person. We have so many scammers, thieves and beggars here. Unfortunately, I never give money to any homeless person since I moved to the city here in Cape Town, as I see that most of them are telling lies to get money and, or are on drugs. I used to listen to their stories, cry a little and give them all my money. Not any more :( it's sad actually, as I have been scammed, lied to, stolen from, mugged etc, so much that I just don't fall for anything anymore.
We kinda do view everyone as a bad person until proven differently, and it's not nice. I try to see the best in everyone, and trust my instincts, but you also have to be very careful. I must say that I have learnt to use my intuition well!
I will definitely look at the metadata. that is a fantastic idea!
You are right - he was definitely a smooth criminal.
Thanks for your thoughtful comment. i really appreciate it