Scammers are now trying to cash in on the high-profile search for Nancy Guthrie, Arizona authorities say. The Pima County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday warned the public about bogus QR codes tied to the investigation into the February abduction of Guthrie, the mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, from her Tucson home, per People. The fakes ask for money, but the department stressed it "will never ask for money related to this case, or any investigation," urging people not to scan QR codes asking for funds, send money to strangers, or engage with such posts online—instead, it advises to just ignore and report them.
Sheriff Chris Nanos said the alert followed reports of a truck driving around Tucson displaying an AI-altered image of a masked woman and a call to help the investigation. It's at least the second scheme linked to the case: Earlier this month, California resident Derrick Callella, 42, admitted harassing the family with phone calls and texts about a bitcoin "ransom."
Nanos says he appreciates all of the leads that have emerged in good faith, but he blasts those who've spread misinformation around the case. "People have great interest and that's good because it helps us ... but then it gets really abused," he said, per E! News. Months after doorbell footage captured a masked intruder at Nancy Guthrie's home on Feb. 1, no suspects have been named. Savannah Guthrie, who has since returned to the Today show, has used the program to ask the public for credible tips.
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