Nancy Guthrie Update: Pima County Sheriff issues major warning to public about fraudulent QR codes, ‘remain vigilant’
In the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, scammers are exploiting the case for personal gain.
Officials are warning the public not to fall victim to a QR code fundraising effort to investigate disappearances. Savannah Guthrie’s mother is the host of the “Today” show.
Pima County Sheriff urges public to remain vigilant
this pima county The Sheriff’s Department issued a statement acknowledging the existence of these QR codes in circulation.
“PCSD will never solicit funds related to this case or any investigation,” the department said. “Please do not send money or scan QR codes to request payment from people you do not know. If you see these posts, please ignore and report them. Stay vigilant and help spread the word.”
PCSD reveals reasons for issuing advisory opinion
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos The warning was issued after a truck was seen in Tucson, Arizona, showing an AI-modified image of a woman wearing a mask, requesting assistance in the investigation, People reported.
Guthrie has been missing since she was abducted from her Tucson residence on February 1. Evidence collected from the scene included blood stains identified as hers, as well as video footage from a doorbell camera that captured a masked man interfering with the device shortly before she disappeared.
Nancy Guthrie Investigates the Rise of Scammers
The situation attracted a number of scammers eager to take advantage of the family’s misfortune.
February, Derrick Anthony Calera He was arrested after the FBI discovered he sent fraudulent ransom letters to Guthrie’s daughter Anne and her husband Tommaso Cioni.
“Did you receive our Bitcoin? [sic] Awaiting a deal from our side,” one message read.
Carrera, 42, pleaded guilty earlier this month. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 10 and could face up to two years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
What the FBI thinks about ransom notes
An FBI official previously told Reuters that “none of the ransom notes in Guthrie’s case are believed to be genuine.” Multiple notes demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency, in exchange for details about the kidnapping.
In a statement issued on July 1, Savannah Guthrie Local Arizona news outlet KOLD News 13 was informed that her family is continuing to search for her mother.
