> A "note" by the a partner investment house or broker that will back you, because of your rep with them or because you've got an inside track, saying that you

> A "note" by the a partner investment house or broker that will back you, because of your rep with them or because you've got an inside track, saying that you do "own" the required amount. This is how it works on the traditional Street In the cash equities markets? Maybe 15 years ago. But in the past 10+ years, you have to have the shares to short or you get in "alot of trouble.". What you are describing is straight up illegal and no prime broker will allow this. I get that you probably don't work in the markets and you are relaying on something you read, don't feel too bad, there is alot of mis-information about wall street out there :)