I'd be wary of anyone online at first. I met my husband in FFXI, but I knew him for several years before we met in person.
My apologies that you had a rough go of it OP, and its sound advice to anyone to be cautious; online or otherwise... but dont entirely discount a relationship just because it started online.
:< Unfortunately they could have done that to you even if you had met in person.

Still you have my sympathies.