Five moths after she was taken from her Tucson, Ariz., home, there have been no official suspects named in the case
Credit: Jan Sonnenmair/Getty; Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
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The Pima County Sheriff’s Department warned about fake QR codes requesting money in connection to Nancy Guthrie’s case
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Savannah Guthrie made a public plea for help finding her missing mother during a live broadcast in June
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The FBI and local authorities continue investigating the February abduction with no suspects or arrests yet
More than five months since Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Tucson, Ariz., home, the local sheriff’s department is warning the public against a new scam connected with the case.
On Tuesday, July 14, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement about fake QR codes that have been circulating, appearing to be related to the case of Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother.
“The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is aware of posts circulating about the Guthrie Investigation that include a QR code requesting money,” the statement reads. “PCSD will never ask for money related to this case, or any investigation.”
The Sheriff’s Department warned the public not to send money to anyone they don’t know “or scan QR codes requesting payment.”
Authorities also noted that if someone comes across one of those posts to “ignore it and report it,” adding, “Stay alert and help spread the word.”
This isn’t the first scam to be uncovered related to the case. Earlier this month a California man named Derrick Callella pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment using a telecommunication device.
Officials said that Callella, 42, admitted to calling and sending text messages regarding a bitcoin transfer to Nancy’s family on Feb. 4.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Chris Nanos have been running Nancy’s abduction investigation from the start with the aid of the FBI.
Doorbell camera footage was obtained from Nancy’s home of a masked intruder in the early morning hours of Feb. 1, but after months of searching there have been no official suspects named or arrested in the case.
Credit: NBC
After spending months with her family, Savannah returned to her role at the Today show in April.
She was recently away from the show amid a summer break, returning on Tuesday. PEOPLE previously confirmed that her absence was not related to her mother’s case. Savannah recently made a public plea live on air for anyone with information about Nancy’s case.
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“No matter how much I try to come out here every day and to smile and find that joy — and I will, I promise I will — this is a moment to tell you that we need your help,” she said on June 23. “We’re begging for your help. And I’m not gonna miss that opportunity.”
The FBI is urging anyone with tips or leads to call 1-800-CALL-FBI in addition to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office number, 520-351-4900.
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