The search for missing Arizona resident Nancy Guthrie has taken a troubling turn, with authorities now warning the public about “fraudulent” fundraising efforts circulating online. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a public alert this week, making it clear that no official fundraising campaign exists in connection with the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff urges the public to stay alert about fundraising scams
The Nancy Guthrie case now has a new update, as the Pima County Sheriff’s Department posted a note on X (formerly Twitter), informing residents of “fraudulent” fundraising campaigns. “Please be advised there is no official GoFundMe or any fundraising effort associated with the Guthrie investigation,” the notice read.
Officials stressed that any such appeals should be treated with caution. They urged everyone to stay “vigilant and not send money to anyone claiming to raise funds” as the case continues to attract national attention.
Guthrie, 84, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 at her home near Tucson, Arizona. She was reported missing the following day. Investigators previously revealed that drops of blood were discovered on her front porch, raising immediate concerns about her safety. Authorities also say that Guthrie needs daily medication, which makes the search more urgent.
As part of the investigation, officials released doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual on Guthrie’s porch in the early hours of February 1. The suspect appeared to be wearing gloves and a ski mask, along with a handgun holster, and carried a backpack identified as a 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.
Investigators believe the individual described as a man of average build, standing approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10, remained inside the home for around 40 minutes after the doorbell camera stopped recording at about 1:45 a.m.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stood by the handling of the case amid growing public attention. Speaking to local outlet KVOA, Nanos said the investigation has progressed as intended and pushed back against criticism surrounding earlier decisions. As the case enters its eighth week, authorities continue to focus on both the investigation itself and the spread of misinformation surrounding it.
Originally reported by Khushali Srivastava on Reality Tea.
