Hey Warpedcuck - fuck that shit.
I have given a deposit to a provider who I wanted to see. The amount would cover the room in case I didn't show. I didn't have a problem with it and had a great time. I am always open to suggestions in particular with a provider I reasearched and want to see but there are scammers and I knowingly took a calculated risk. Sorry you got ripped off and hope you recover and get back out there as a wiser man.