How does all this work??

Hi everyone! I'm 17 years old and I really want to get into acting and I wat to find an agent but I'm scared of being ripped off! I'm not quite ready to go to university and do an acting course just yet as I want to get some experience up first... Would any of you be able to help me out and give me any tips??? I know some1 said before we need to get off our asses and do it ourselves, but I am just a little unsure... This website is a starting point for me and was recommended by one of my teachers...
Thanks heaps for your time and feel free to e-mail me at thespian_087@hotmail.com
P.s I am located in N.S.W