The Pima County Sheriff's Department has issued a warning regarding a scam that is exploiting the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie. The scam involves QR codes that request money, according to a statement from the sheriff's department.
"PCSD will never ask for money related to this case, or any investigation," the department stated on social media. They are advising the public to "not send money to people you do not know or scan QR codes requesting payment" and to report any such instances they encounter.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Tucson home on January 31, 2026. Investigators are treating the case as an apparent abduction. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has indicated that no new individuals are being sought in connection with the case and has mentioned technological challenges related to DNA evidence.
In late June, Savannah Guthrie made an emotional appeal on the "Today" show, pleading for any new information. Reports had surfaced that one of the ransom notes sent to the family claimed her mother was dead. "Somebody knows something. This is a new story today that is on your radar, but this is the life that my sister lives, I live, my brother lives, our extended families live, our children live every day. We are in agony," Savannah Guthrie said during the broadcast. She continued, "We need your help. We’re begging for your help. Please, if you’re watching, no matter how small the reward is there, you can tell us. It can be anonymous. Please do the right thing for us, for our family, for our children. We love our mom. We’ll never stop looking for her, never."
An FBI source reportedly told TMZ that kidnappers allegedly panicked after Nancy Guthrie's death, causing them to retreat from money demands. However, the Pima County Sheriff's Department's warning highlights that scammers are actively trying to solicit funds from the public under the guise of the investigation.
Anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or 88-CRIME at 520-882-7463. Digital photos, video, or doorbell-camera footage can be submitted through the FBI at fbi.gov/findguthrie.