Introduction: The Illusion of Credibility
Financial Funding LLC, also known as CRE-Finance LLC, presents itself as a reputable commercial mortgage lender, promising tailored financial solutions for small businesses and investors. With a New York base and a polished exterior, the company projects an image of reliability and expertise. However, this façade crumbles under scrutiny, revealing a pattern of allegations, scam reports, and red flags that cast serious doubt on its legitimacy.
This investigation seeks to uncover the truth about Financial Funding LLC by dissecting a pivotal Ripoff Report article from October 2013, conducting a risk assessment, and analyzing adverse media and negative reviews. As of March 7, 2025, with access to up-to-date information, this report exposes the company’s questionable practices, shining a light on what may be a well-orchestrated financial scheme preying on unsuspecting clients.
At the center of these allegations is an individual named Todd (presumably Richard) Tretsky, the company’s principal. Accusations against Tretsky suggest fraud, misrepresentation, and a systematic exploitation of borrowers. Whether you are a small business owner seeking financing or an investor evaluating lending options, this report provides the critical insights needed to navigate the murky waters surrounding Financial Funding LLC.
The Smoking Gun: Ripoff Report’s 2013 Investigation
The Allegation of Fraud
The Ripoff Report article from October 9, 2013, presents a scathing complaint from an anonymous user who accuses Financial Funding LLC of engaging in fraudulent practices. The complainant states that Tretsky and his company issued misleading Letters of Intent (LOIs) with unjustifiable fees, ultimately stealing $2,500 from a client before abruptly closing their office to evade accountability.
Such behavior suggests a classic bait-and-switch operation: potential borrowers are enticed with attractive loan terms, only to be subjected to hidden fees and denied funding. This tactic is emblematic of predatory lending schemes, where unsuspecting clients are financially drained before realizing the promised financing is a mirage.
The complainant distances themselves from Tretsky, asserting, “I have never worked for nor applied for a job to work for a scam artist like Todd Tretsky.” The wording suggests the victim was a broker or intermediary who placed trust in Financial Funding LLC, only to be deceived. The abrupt closure of the office raises significant concerns, hinting at a “fly-by-night” operation—one that vanishes as soon as complaints surface.
Ripoff Report’s Suspicious Endorsement
Despite these damning allegations, Financial Funding LLC enjoys a contradictory “Verified” status on Ripoff Report. The site features an “Editor’s Update” that praises the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical practices. This update claims that the company communicates effectively and works with major financial institutions, presenting it as a trusted lender.
However, this so-called verification is highly suspect. Ripoff Report operates a Corporate Advocacy Program, where businesses pay to have their reputations rehabilitated. Critics argue that this model enables companies to buy positive publicity and suppress negative reviews, essentially allowing financial predators to launder their reputations through pay-to-play mechanisms. The fact that Financial Funding LLC sought validation through such a dubious avenue raises serious red flags.
Unraveling the Financial Funding LLC Scam: Patterns of Deception
Tactics of Exploitation
The allegations against Financial Funding LLC mirror common fraudulent lending practices, including:
- Advance-Fee Scams: Victims pay upfront fees for loans that never materialize.
- Misleading Loan Terms: Attractive loan conditions bait clients before hidden fees derail the process.
- Bait-and-Switch Strategies: Promised financing is suddenly unattainable, and alternative, more expensive options are pushed.
- Evading Accountability: Offices close, emails go unanswered, and contact information changes when clients demand refunds or explanations.
- Preying on Brokers: Brokers and intermediaries trust the company, only to find themselves and their clients defrauded.
Dual Branding: A Cover for Fraud?
One of the most concerning aspects of Financial Funding LLC is its use of multiple identities. The company also operates under the name CRE-Finance LLC, raising the possibility that it uses dual branding to confuse regulators and escape scrutiny.
Legitimate financial institutions typically maintain a single, well-documented brand. Fraudulent enterprises, on the other hand, often employ multiple names to distance themselves from past scandals. This tactic allows them to continue preying on victims without being immediately recognized as repeat offenders.
Legal and Regulatory Red Flags
Despite Financial Funding LLC’s claims of credibility, there is little to no evidence that it holds the necessary licensing to operate as a commercial lender in New York. A legitimate lending institution should be registered with the New York Department of Financial Services and subject to rigorous oversight. The absence of verifiable licensing information is a significant warning sign.
If complaints continue to surface, the company may eventually attract the attention of regulatory bodies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or state attorney general offices. Investigations into lending scams have resulted in criminal charges against fraudulent operators in the past, and Financial Funding LLC’s actions place it squarely within the scope of such scrutiny.
The Financial Risks of Dealing with Financial Funding LLC
High Likelihood of Financial Loss
Clients engaging with Financial Funding LLC face significant risks, including:
- Non-Performance: Funds promised in loan agreements may never be disbursed.
- Exorbitant Fees: Hidden charges could accumulate, leading to unexpected financial strain.
- Loss of Deposits: The $2,500 alleged theft suggests that deposits made to Financial Funding LLC may not be recoverable.
- Legal Vulnerability: Clients who unknowingly participate in fraudulent schemes could face financial or reputational damage.
Reputation Damage for Businesses
A company associating with a fraudulent lender risks severe damage to its credibility. If Financial Funding LLC is exposed in more mainstream investigations, businesses that engaged with them may suffer collateral reputational harm.
The Bigger Picture: Why Scammers Like Financial Funding LLC Thrive
Manipulation of Online Reviews
Financial predators leverage reputation-management services to suppress negative feedback and create an illusion of legitimacy. By participating in programs like Ripoff Report’s Corporate Advocacy Program, they artificially bolster their online presence, making it harder for victims to uncover the truth.
Lack of Consumer Awareness
Many small business owners are desperate for financing and may overlook red flags in their rush to secure capital. Scammers exploit this urgency, offering easy approvals and fast funding that never materializes.
Inadequate Regulation and Enforcement
Fraudulent lenders often operate in gray areas, taking advantage of weak enforcement mechanisms. Until regulatory agencies crack down on companies like Financial Funding LLC, victims will continue to suffer.
Conclusion: A Company to Avoid at All Costs
Financial Funding LLC, operating as CRE-Finance LLC, is riddled with red flags that point to a dangerous financial predator rather than a legitimate lender. The Ripoff Report article from 2013 provides a firsthand account of fraud, while the company’s dubious reputation management tactics further erode its credibility.
If you are considering working with Financial Funding LLC, think twice. The risks far outweigh any potential benefits. Protect yourself by thoroughly vetting any lender, verifying licensing, and seeking independent references. In the murky world of commercial finance, companies like Financial Funding LLC lurk in the shadows, waiting to exploit those who fail to see the warning signs.
