Nancy Guthrie Case: Sheriff Slams Scam Seeking Money for Investigation

Nancy Guthrie Case: FBI Source Says 3 Kidnapping Ransom Notes Are Fake

The investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie are warning the public of a scam.

As the search for Savannah Guthrie’s mom continues into its sixth month, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement regarding misinformation.

“The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is aware of posts circulating about the Guthrie investigation that include a QR code requesting money,” the statement issued by Chris Nanos July 14 read. “PCSD will never ask for money related to this case, or any investigation. Please do not send money to people you do not know or scan QR codes requesting payment.”

Nanos implored the public to ignore and report the posts claiming to request money on behalf of the Guthrie case, adding, “Stay alert and help spread the word.”

This is not the first time the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has had to clear up misinformation regarding Nancy’s disappearance. Last month, Nanos addressed a demand letter circulating social media, noting it was likely fake.

"I think the FBI has done a number of arrests for false or fake ransom notes," he said during a June 26 appearance on The Buckmaster Show, as part of Tucson's local 1030 KVOI AM station. “I think we're looking at another one of those today with what's been reported. But we'll let the FBI do their work.”

The sheriff went on to call the spread of misinformation throughout their search shameful. “People have great interest and that's good because it helps us,” he reasoned, “but then it gets really abused.”

And while the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy—who was kidnapped from her Tucson, Ariz. home in the early hours of Feb. 1—has continued, Savannah recently addressed a separate ransom note that was sent to media outlets claiming the 84-year-old had died.

Savannah Guthrie/Instagram

“This is a new story today that’s on your radar,” Savannah said during a June 23 episode of Today. “But this is the life that my sister lives, I live, that my brother lives, that our extended family lives, that our children live every day and we are in agony. And we cannot be at peace. No matter how much I try to come out here every day and smile and find that joy, I will. I promise I will. This is the moment to tell you that we need your help.”

Indeed, Savannah noted that she, along with her siblings Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie are “begging” to be reunited with their mom. As she put it, “We love our mom and we’ll never stop looking for her, ever.”

For a thorough dive into the ongoing search for Nancy, keep reading…

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