Free Money Grant Book

Matthew Lesko (born June 5, 1943) is an American author, self-proclaimed federal grant researcher, and infomercial personality. He has authored over 20 reference books telling people how to get "free" money from the United States Government. He is popularly known as "that question mark guy" for the Riddler-like suit that he wears in his television commercials, infomercials, interviews, and in his everyday life.

Lesko lives near Washington, D.C. with his third wife Wendy Schaetzel Lesko and their two sons, Max and Morgan. He grew up in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Lesko received his undergraduate degree from Marquette University in Milwaukee, then went to Vietnam as a navigator for the U.S. Navy. When Lesko returned he earned a master's degree in business administration (MBA) from American University in Washington D.C. He claims to have researched government grants for over 25 years.

Lesko is known for his colorful suits decorated with question marks. Mr. Lesko sometimes wears one of his trademark "question mark suits" during his daily activities in and around Washington, D.C., and drives a yellow Mini Cooper with question marks on it as well.

Criticism

Critics claim that Lesko is misleading in his advertisements. A 2004 report by the New York State Consumer Protection Board claimed that most of the grants mentioned in Lesko's books were actually public assistance programs that many people were not eligible for, and that Lesko misrepresented examples of people who had taken advantage of government programs.

The New York Times criticized him for having implied a current association with the paper long after ending a 1992-94 NYT column.

In 2005, Lesko was named #99 in Bernard Goldberg's book 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America, because, "He is a symbol for self-centered free-riders."

In an interview to Washington Post in July 2007, Lesko admitted having plagiarized his books from government guides to grants and loans: "His business model is simple: 'I get stuff for free and I sell it for as much as I can get.'"

Books

Matthew Lesko's company, Information USA, has published several reference books including:

  • Information U.S. (1986, ISBN 0-14-046745-9)
  • Getting Yours (1987, ISBN 0-14-046760-2)
  • 1001 Free Goodies and Cheapies (1994, ISBN 1-878346-25-3)
  • Free College Money, Term Papers, and Sex Ed (1994, ISBN 1-878346-24-5)
  • Free Health Care, Free Medical Information and Free Prescription Drugs (1995, ISBN 1-878346-34-2)
  • Gobs and Gobs of Free Stuff (1996, ISBN 1-878346-33-4)
  • Free Legal Help (1996, ISBN 1-878346-35-0)
  • Free Stuff for Busy Moms! (1999, ISBN 1-878346-49-0)
  • Free College and Training Money For Women (2000, ISBN 1-878346-52-0)
  • Free Money and Help for Women Entrepreneurs (2000, ISBN 1-878346-51-2)
  • Free Money For Your Retirement (2000, ISBN 1-878346-60-1)
  • Free Stuff for Women's Health, Fitness, and Nutrition (2000, ISBN 1-878346-50-4)
  • Free Money To Change Your Life (2001, ISBN 1-878346-40-7)
  • Free Money To Pay Your Bills (2003, ISBN 1-878346-65-2)
  • Free Money To Get A Better Home (2004, ISBN 1-878346-67-9)
  • Free Money To Quit Your Job (2004, ISBN 1-878346-68-7)
  • Free Money for Entrepreneurs (2005, ISBN 1-878346-69-5)
  • American Benefits for Seniors: Getting the Most Out of Your Retirement (2006, ISBN 1-878346-87-3)

All of his books claim to contain information about how to get free money from the United States Government.

References

  1. ^ "Marked Man: Washington's Infomercial King? Matthew Lesko, No Question.". Washington Post. 2007-07-15 . http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/14/AR2007071401118.html?hpid=artslot&sub=AR . Retrieved 2007-07-15 .  
  2. ^ "How misleading advertising is feeding a nationwide boom in government grant scams" (PDF). New York State Consumer Protection Board. 2004 . http://www.consumer.state.ny.us/pdf/misleading_grant_guides.pdf . Retrieved 2006-04-30 .  
  3. ^ Fred, Joseph P. (2005-02-03). "Free Money? Sure. Heard of Food Stamps?". New York Times . http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/13/nyregion/13lesko.html?ex=1265950800&en=e0c158bc33ea5e70&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland . Retrieved 2006-04-22 .  
  4. ^ Dhingra, Philip (8 Aug 2005). "Bernard Goldberg's 100 People Who Are Screwing Up America? And Why?". Philosophy History . http://www.philosophistry.com/specials/100-people.html . "He is a symbol for self-centered free-riders"  
  5. ^ Carlson, Peter (15 Jul 2007). "Marked Man". Washington Post . http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/14/AR2007071401118_2.html?hpid=artslot%E2%8A%82=AR .  

External links

  • Better Business Bureau of Washington, D.C. Report 11/14/2007
  • Matthew Lesko infomercials
  • "Questions for Matthew Lesko, the Question Mark Man" - 9/29/05 Interview with Matthew Lesko
  • "The Culler of Money" - 7/6/2005 Baltimore City Paper Interview and article
  • "Free Money? Don't Think So"

    Free Money Club, Goverment Grants and Matthew Lesko

    ... in each book is well respected in the grant giving and seeking communities and clubs. A word from Matthew Lesko... 30 Million People A Year Get Free Government Money ...

    ...

    Government Grants - Free grant money - Foundation ...

    Don't even think about buying a grant book or program before you read this consumer alert message! Dear Grant-Seeker, If you would like to get one or more free money government grants ...

    ...

    Amazon.com: How To Get Free Grant Money For Your ...

    How To Get Free Grant Money For Your Project (Paperback) ~ Quick Easy Guides (Author) ... If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell ...

    ...

    Government Grant Authority - Create Your Own Government Grant Success ...

    You see, for years I have worked with both grantors and grant seekers, which gives me an insider's view of what it really takes to qualify for free grant money. My new book is ...

    ...

    Matthew Lesko - FREE Government Money programs and the ...

    Matthew Lesko Free Government Money Secrets are real hails the ... My Almost Unbelievable FREE Money Government Grants & Loans ... Mathew Lesco 1136 page telephone book ...

    ...

    Matthew Lesko Free Government Money, Grants and Loans ...

    Matthew lesko: Books on government grants, free money with lesko,government loans and help at books by lesko.com

    ...

    Government Grant -Free grant money -foundation grants

    You see, for years I have worked with both grantors and grant seekers, which gives me an insider's view of what it really takes to qualify for free grant money. My new book is ...

    ...

    Government Money Club | Matthew Lesko | Business Grants ...

    Government Grants; Books; Free Money. Billionaire Startups; Money To Pay Bills; Real Estate ... Two received Best Reference Book of the Year Awards from the American Library ...

    ...

    FREE GRANT MONEY Information from Financial Direct

    Check Out: FREE E-Book: Business Guide ... This year alone over $1.5 Trillion Dollars In Free Grant Money will be given away by ...

    ...

    How To Find Free Federal Grants

    Teacher Guide to Winning Grants - Read This Book; Checking Online if Uncle Sam Owes You Money; Goverment Grants resources; Free grant money - Tips and news

    ...