Scammers Target Nancy Guthrie Case, Sheriff Warns Public

When a high-profile disappearance captures national attention, it’s only a matter of time before opportunists try to exploit the tragedy. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department just issued a stark reminder of that unfortunate reality.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced on Tuesday, July 14 that scammers are circulating fake fundraising posts connected to the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The posts feature QR codes claiming to collect money for the search effort—a brazen con that preys on people’s genuine desire to help. Nancy, the 84-year-old mother of Today coanchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home in the early hours of February 1. Nearly six months later, the case remains unsolved, and her family remains in what Savannah has described as continuous agony.

The sheriff’s department was unambiguous in its response:“PCSD will never ask for money related to this case, or any investigation.”The warning is clear and necessary—authorities don’t solicit funds this way, full stop. If you see one of these fraudulent posts, ignore it, report it, and move on. It’s a reminder that in the age of social media, misinformation spreads as fast as genuine concern, and bad actors weaponize that speed.

What makes this scam particularly frustrating is its timing. The case has seen disturbing developments—ransom notes demanding Bitcoin have been sent to news outlets, with at least one alleging Nancy’s death. In a June 23 broadcast, Savannah made an emotional plea:“Somebody knows something.”Her raw vulnerability in that moment underscored how much the family is suffering, and how desperately they need real leads, not fabricated fundraisers designed to line someone’s pockets.

The FBI has released photos and video from Nancy’s doorbell camera showing a person in all-black clothing with a face covering on the night she disappeared. That footage represents a genuine investigative thread. The fake QR codes represent nothing but opportunistic theft. Stay alert, stay skeptical, and if you have actual information about Nancy’s disappearance, contact authorities directly—never through a social media link or a stranger’s request for money.