The Tar Heel Knight

When Blessed Father Michael McGivney founded the Knights of Columbus in 1882, he could not have imagined the digital landscape or the many forms of fraud that would arise to attack both individuals and institutions. Today, Knights and their councils face risks not only from personal scams targeting seniors, but also from forgeries, fraudulent checks, phishing emails, and false vendor or donation requests. These schemes are designed to exploit trust, drain resources, and weaken the charitable mission of our Order. Money intended for widows, orphans, parish ministries, or disaster relief can be diverted into the hands of criminals. And yet, as in so many cases, it is our elders—our most faithful members and supporters—who remain the most likely victims. Their goodwill and trust can too easily become a doorway for operators who prey under false pretenses.
According to the FBI, elder fraud costs older Americans billions each year. These crimes are not random. They are calculated, manipulative, and devastating. Scammers impersonate banks, government agencies, and even technology companies, exploiting the natural trust of seniors. On the council side, we have also seen examples of forged checks and fraudulent requests for financial support—tricks that deplete hard-earned funds meant for charity.
In a heartfelt plea to the Knights, Christopher Radford described how his parents—his father a Knight of Columbus member for 46 years—lost everything in such a scam. Criminals hacked into their computer, posed as Microsoft and Truist Bank representatives, and convinced them to transfer their entire life savings: $585,000. These were not reckless or careless elders; they were targeted because of their trust. As Christopher shared:
“My parents were not reckless. They were targeted and exploited by criminals who knew exactly how to manipulate trust and prey on confusion.”
The Radfords are not alone. Just as families are devastated by personal scams, councils can find themselves compromised through forged checks or counterfeit emails that deceive members into releasing funds or purchasing gift cards.
For Father McGivney, financial protection was never merely about dollars and cents. It was about safeguarding the God-given dignity of every family. Today, the Knights of Columbus must extend that vision into the digital battlefield. Just as we defend life and faith, so too must we defend against the “evils that prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls”—including those masked as friendly voices on the phone or personal pleas in the mail.
Awareness is the first shield. By speaking openly about these scams, we empower our parents, grandparents, and all members to recognize danger. By training council officers in vigilance—verifying checks, confirming requests, and securing funds—we protect the charitable works entrusted to our stewardship. Suspicion of a “too good to be true” offer or a sudden demand for money is not cynicism; it is prudence and vigilance.
As Christopher Radford wrote:
“They live solely on social security, haunted by shame, fear, and guilt. The emotional impact is as devastating as the financial one.”
This is the true cost of such crimes—not just the money stolen, but the crushing of hope, dignity, and peace of mind.
As Knights, our mission is not only to proclaim the Gospel but to live it through faith in action. Protecting our elders and our councils from financial ruin is an act of mercy and evangelization. It is a living testimony of charity, unity, and fraternity. We must:

• Educate our communities about the warning signs of scams.
• Strengthen council practices by verifying every check, deposit, and donation request before action is taken.
• Encourage vigilance—urge elders never to act alone when pressured to move money or share personal information.
• Support victims compassionately, helping them rebuild both financial security and faith in human goodness.
• Advocate for stronger safeguards in financial processes, both within councils and in personal life.

The Radford family’s story is heartbreaking, but it can be a beacon that stirs us to vigilance and compassion. Let us honor Father McGivney’s legacy by protecting both the financial and spiritual well-being of our families and councils. Let us be the ones who say to our parents, grandparents, and brother Knights: “You are not alone. We will stand with you. We will defend you.”
Elder fraud and financial deception may be modern challenges, but the Knights’ mission has not changed. We are called—now as then—to protect families from ruin and to defend them against the evils that seek their destruction.

Vivat Jesus!
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