As the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie enters the sixth month, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a warning to the public on July 13 about online scams tied to the investigation. Arizona officials cautioned that scammers are using fake QR codes to collect money while falsely claiming a connection to the case.
Officials describe how scammers are using the Nancy Guthrie investigation to target the public
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has been in charge of the investigation since day one, stated on X, “The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is aware of posts circulating about the Guthrie Investigation that include a QR code requesting money. PCSD will never ask for money related to this case, or any investigation.” And further added, “Please do not send money to people you do not know or scan QR codes requesting payment.”
The department has repeatedly addressed false claims surrounding Nancy’s disappearance, including a demand letter that Nanos previously identified as likely fraudulent. Speaking on The Buckmaster Show on June 26, Nanos said, as per E! News, that the FBI had made several arrests involving false ransom notes, adding, “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.”
Nancy, the mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for more than 164 days. The 84-year-old was last seen on the night of January 31 after arriving home from dining with family in the Catalina Foothills, Arizona. Surveillance footage from her home showed a masked individual, and authorities discovered her blood at the location. No suspect has been identified yet. According to the BBC, the family has offered a $1 million reward for information, alongside a $100,000 reward from the FBI.
TELL US- WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE SPREAD OF MISINFORMATION DURING ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS?
