Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof. It is too bad that physics professors don't have any special ability to detect frauds. Mainly they do honest physics.

If he's not a con man, self-deluded, or shilling for James Randi, this guy is coincidentally giving a story very similar to those used by conmen.

I'd guess the odds are a bit lower than a real nigerian millionaire writing you a letter in ALL CAPS.