Chris Smith says he's a private lender and takes your upfront fees and then never lends. I first started dealing with him in December.in early January I wired him $4500 to his mother's (Patty Smith) bank account, big mistake. His letter of intent said he could close in 30 days. I provided all the required documents/appraisal and even received an approval letter from Chris Smith saying I was approved without any additional conditions. 7 months later I'm still waiting for funding. Another borrower that is dealing with him is in the same situation.
He gave falsified proof of funds provided by Milton Geissinger, who referred another borrower and myself to Chris Smith. Upon further investigation the proof of funds is falsified. Chris will not allow us to verify the proof of funds, however both Franklin and Financial West Group (both on the proof of funds) said that if they would have provided the POF, it would be on their letterhead. Which Chris's proof of funds is not. It looks as if it was done in a simple word document. The Bank of America proof of funds he provided had a $0 balance and had an -$888,888.88 in the registry. When I spoke to Bank of America they said that means there is a freeze on the account and I should stay away from this person/deal. However this was after the wire.
When I visited Chris Smith I found him living at. It happens to be his girlfriend Leah trailer. Leah will sometimes answer Chris's emails and text messages and assures me that Chris has the money and does lend money.
The other borrower receives the same excuses as I do; broken computer, out of town, changed his phone numbers, attorney is out of town, on vacation, at a funeral, etc. We are jointly going to pursue a civil lawsuit for damages as well as criminal charges for providing and signing falsified proof of funds. Since I trusted Chris Smith, I did not immediately pursue another lender. 5 months after starting with Chris Smith my lender started foreclosure proceedings. Now no lender wants to deal with me.
John
ontario, California
U.S.A.
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