Investigators in Arizona are warning the public about a scam tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who was taken from her Tucson home five months ago.
The alert comes less than two weeks after 42-year-old Derrick Callella pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment using a telecommunications device in a federal case connected to false ransom demands sent to Guthrie’s family. Prosecutors said sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2026, and Callella could face probation under the plea agreement.
But the latest development in the search for Guthrie is not a breakthrough in the investigation.
Instead, authorities say people are trying to exploit the high-profile case for financial gain while law enforcement continues searching for answers about the missing mother of Savannah Guthrie.
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, a fraudulent online effort has been circulating that uses Guthrie’s January 31 disappearance to solicit money.
Officials said the scam involves a QR code that urges people to donate money connected to the case.
In a message posted to X, the department issued a formal notice about misinformation being shared online and by email in relation to the investigation.
“The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is aware of posts circulating about the Guthrie Investigation that include a QR code requesting money.
Statement regarding online and email misinformation in connection to the Nancy Guthrie investigation. pic.twitter.com/H4QCniYbEA
— Pima County Sheriff's Department (@PimaSheriff) July 14, 2026
It added: “PCSD will never ask for money related to this case, or any investigation.”
The department told the public not to send funds or interact with any QR code demanding payment.
Instead, authorities advised residents to disregard those requests, report them, and help alert others to the scam.
According to People, Sheriff Chris Nanos said detectives became aware of the scheme after reports of a truck driving around Tucson displaying an AI-manipulated image of a woman asking for help funding the investigation.
The FBI is asking anyone with relevant information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Office at 520-351-4900.
The warning follows earlier concerns over ransom messages. On July 1, the FBI said several such notes had already been ruled fake, though others were still under review to determine whether they could be legitimate demands for money.
“This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case,” the FBI said in a statement.
Callella’s case centers on false ransom notes and text messages he sent to members of the Guthrie family in the days after Nancy vanished.
He admitted sending messages on February 4 asking about a Bitcoin payment.
The suspect also admitted that his actions were meant to harass the family by seeking information about the investigation into the missing person’s disappearance, according to a press release at the time.
Authorities traced the messages through an email account linked to the phone number involved.
He was arrested on February 5, four days after Nancy was reported missing.
Although probation is being considered, a sentencing hearing scheduled for September 10 will determine the outcome of his case.
Meanwhile, Nancy’s condition and whereabouts remain unknown. A February ransom note claimed she had died, but that claim has not been substantiated.
Investigators have previously laid out a rough timeline from the night she disappeared.
Nancy Guthrie took an Uber to her daughter Annie Guthrie’s home for dinner at around 5:32 pm.
Later that evening, relatives drove her back to her own house.
Her garage door opened at approximately 9:48pm and closed at 9:50pm, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.
“It is that time we assume that Nancy’s home and probably going to bed,” he added.
At 1:47am, her doorbell camera was disconnected, and its software recorded movement about 25 minutes after that.
Then, at 2:28am, the 84-year-old’s pacemaker app lost connection with her cellphone.
When a friend noticed Nancy had missed church, her family went to check on her house at 11:56am and found she was gone.
They called 911 at 12:03pm, and deputies arrived at 12:15pm.
Nanos later told CBS News that he believed she had been kidnapped during the night.
“She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly,” he added.
Multiple outlets also reported receiving alleged ransom notes demanding a substantial Bitcoin payment in exchange for Nancy’s release.
Nanos said investigators were examining the ‘possible ransom note(s)’ and also confirmed that blood discovered on Nancy’s porch belonged to her.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Annie and Camron, later posted an emotional Instagram video appealing for their mother’s safe return.
“We are ready to talk,” Savannah said. “However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive, and that you have her.”
The FBI later announced a $50,000 reward ‘for information leading to the recovery’ of Nancy.
Camron Guthrie also shared a separate video message aimed at whoever may be holding their mother.
“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you.”
Authorities said they were ‘aware of a new message’ sent to CBS News’ Tucson affiliate KOLD.
The sheriff’s department added that investigators were ‘conducting follow-up’ at Nancy’s residence and nearby areas.
In another video shared online by the family, Savannah appeared to speak directly to the suspected abductor.
“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” she said, before adding: “This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
Later, authorities were seen leaving Annie’s home with a bag after 10:30 pm. According to PEOPLE, one official was reportedly wearing blue gloves.
FBI Director Kash Patel said images released in the case show ‘an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance’.
When sharing those images on Instagram, Savannah wrote: “We believe she is still alive. Bring her home.”
At one stage, investigators detained a man for questioning during a traffic stop, but he was released the next day.