Am I getting scammed by this 'private lender'?

[Robert Lindsley]

Hi there,

I've been looking for gap financing for a multifamily property for the past few weeks.  Through the process I met a man named Bryan Chambers.  He claims he has plenty of money to lend, but wants an origination fee.  Sensing this was a scam I suggested I put the $450 origination fee in escrow and when I get the loan I will release the origination fee.  He refused.  I then asked for references, which he also refused.

He finally sent me a proof of funds letter from HSBC (attached).  I called HSBC and they told me they couldn't verify the funds without Bryan on the phone.  When I asked Bryan if he would be willing to get on the phone he said the proof of funds letter should be enough and he wouldn't get on the phone with the bank.

Now he's pinging me 2-3 times a day wanting to complete the transaction.  I can't help but thinking I'm getting scammed here.  What are your thoughts?

Thanks!
Robert.

[Jeff Rabinowitz]

@Robert Lindsley, I suspect you will not like this response. I hope it will be instructive. I suspect that the lender is not legitimate, but you also suspected as much or you wouldn't have made your post. (If you do not trust a potential partner, any potential partner, you are well advised to move on.) I would terminate all communications with the lender and would not consider doing business with them.

     I would also not consider doing business with you. You posted a letter, that if it came from a lender, was intended to be confidential. You made no effort to cover any account information. You posted it in a form that could be easily copied by borrower scammers, or wholesaler scammers, etc. to use as they wish. If this were a legitimate lender you may have caused them considerable grief which, at the minimum, might force them to change their account numbers or move their funds to another bank. You could have received the confirmation of your suspicions that you desired and been more thoughtful about your effect on what might just have been an inexperienced private lender.