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Proof of Funds:  

: A Proof of Funds is exactly what is sounds like - proof that a person has the funds available for a transaction.  A  Proof of Funds may be required in any number of commercial transactions.  A bank statement or brokerage house statement may suffice, or further proof may be required.  If so, then an account holder may request a letter from the bank or brokerage house to the effect that the sum in question is available in the account for the client's use.

:   Swindlers who are perpetrating a large financial scam invariably ask for Proof of Funds right up front.  One reason is to make sure they are dealing with a mark who has the financial capability to fork over a significant take.  Another reason is to give the swindler the patina of legitimacy.

There's a bit of psychology involved here.  Financial swindlers want to establish who is boss right from the get-go.  Having a mark "prove himself" is one way of accomplishing this.  It's an aggressive tactic that places the mark on the defensive.  It doesn't really matter whether or not the mark has a strong, control-driven personality.  If the mark tries to get the upper hand, the swindler will allow him the impression that he has done so.  But in the end, the swindler can always pull out his ace in the hole: cooperate or there's no money to be made.

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