🚀 go-pugleaf

I believe I have been scammed by a modelling agency, and I was wondering 
if anybody can help me out a little.

Apparently, such scams are common. The Federal Trade Commission has 
published a brochure detailing the scam (please see 
http://www.lectlaw.com/files/cos34), which I unfortunately did not come 
across until after I was scammed.

The particular model agency that I believe scammed me (I won't mention 
their name - I don't need to add slander & libel to my list of 
problems...  I'm also intentionally somewhat vague, for the same reason) 
has had many complaints filed against them in the past, according to my 
local Better Business Bureau. The BBB can't tell me anymore than that. 
So, my first question is, where can I find information about previous 
lawsuits that the company was involved in, and their outcomes? A 
precedent would probably help me if it is favourable. In addition, if I 
can contact those who have been scammed in the past, I may be able to 
start a class action suit. I did find out (by looking at old newspapers) 
that the particular agency has been successfully sued several years ago 
for failing to provide copies of the contract to their customers. 
Unfortunately, they learned their lesson and I can't get around that 
loophole.

Secondly, where can I find a lawyer that specializes in such matters? I'm 
sure there must be a lawyer that specializes in fighting scams such as 
this and other scams, but I can't seem to find any advertisments in the 
Yellow pages or even the internet. I have temporarily retained a "general 
practice" lawyer for consultation purposes, but if it comes down to a 
court fight I'd feel a lot more confident with a lawyer that is 
experienced in fighting scams.

I'm a college student with very little resources and assets, and I 
certainly cannot pay off what the modelling agency has scammed me. I may 
need to declare personal bankruptcy if everything really goes wrong. I 
desperately need help. I find myself wondering how such a scam can be 
legal, and I have not been able to sleep for several days. Please, if you 
are are in any way knowledgable about this matter, e-mail me at 
fredn@ecf.toronto.edu. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I realize 
these forums involve mostly American law... I am a Canadian living in 
Toronto, so I'm under the jurisdiction of Ontario law. But, please, every 
little bit of information helps, even if it is an American case.

If you are an Ontario lawyer experienced with such issues and would like 
to represent me, please contact me ASAP, at the same email address.

Sorry I wrote so much, but I just started writing and look what 
happens... All I want is for everything to be ok again.

Sincerely yours,

Fred Ngo

P.S. I'm sorry if you've seen this before, but the message is not showing 
up on my news server so I assume it didn't get out. Ergo the repost.