There isn't any email/pass changes on the account recently so I don't think it's a bought account. It looks like the owner just decided to become a criminal...
Yes I will definitely use escrow next time. What a shame...
Yeah it's a shame that you didn't use escrow. Consider this a lesson learned mate. It's not that uncommon for a newbie to be over trusting in members in this forum even though it might seem completely illogical to do so for an older member.
Just make sure you dont make the same mistake twice. Also maybe you could try contacting skrill and ask them to charge back, although this is unlikely.