People all over Western Washington are hearing this pitch every day.

Government grants can be a huge help to people in need, but it can be confusing process.

Con artists have seized on this opportunity. Robert Boone was one such person hit hard by a fraudulent pitch.

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After a drunk driver slammed into their van, somehow Robert Boone and his wife survived. His heart stopped and machines kept him alive for days.

His wife didn't get out of her hospital bed for 33 days.

After more than a million dollars in medical bills, Robert wasn't surprised when someone called his wife about a government grant.

"She had applied for grants because the situation we are in (and) thought well, maybe it's a legitimate thing. So she went ahead and gave them the information," said Boone.

When his wife provided social security numbers and bank account information, Robert smelled a rat. He immediately called the company to find out more.

"She said what you're actually buying for $259 is a book on how to get government grants and loans," said Boone.

Robert feels pretty fortunate. He closed his bank account before the crooks could get to it.

He's now selling things on eBay to help with his family's bills because doctors haven't cleared him to work.

Robert's positive attitude is inspiring and he wants to make sure no one else falls victim to con artists claiming to have government grants.

Remember that government grants are only awarded to people who apply for them and the government would not contact you about them.

The government would also never charge any up front fees for a grant.