feeling demoralized after being scammed twoce for a job

This week I had two online interviews via instant messaging. I was told by each one that I had gotten a job from them but it turned out that I had to buy the equipment needed for the job with a check they would send me. My parents told me they were both scams. Strangely enough I got a large check in the mail today but from a different company. Likely a fraudulent check.

I feel like such a fool

I really had my hopes high that I would be able to get a good second job doing something I love, but it was all a clever fake. They didn’t take any money from me but they did break my heart and take away my confidence. No other job that I apply for seems to want me and the only people that do are scammers who see how stupid I am. One of my greatest wishes for this year (along with finding a theater company in nj that I could belong to, a group of friends I could call my second family, and the freedom to live the life I want to live) is to find a job that makes me feel happy and fulfilled. Now I feel like I’ll never find it. Is the universe mocking or punishing me? I feel like I don’t deserve to be happy. I feel so depressed I can’t do anything. I don’t know what to do. How do I get out of this funk?