Check the presence of that hard money lender on the internet. If the lender is listed then get the address and phone number of the lender. Call up and verify if the information you got is valid. Check for reviews about this lender on the internet. Check if there are any law suits field against them. If you get satisfied with your research then visit the lenders office. If the office gives you any suspicion then ask neighboring offices about authenticity of the lender. Try to ask the lender about his previous deal which are closed get some info on this and phone the borrower. Take first hand review. Still satisfied, then go for the hard money loan