FBI says ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping are fake

Federal investigators have concluded that three kidnapping‑related messages tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie are fraudulent. The FBI, speaking on condition of anonymity to Reuters, said none of the two early‑February ransom notes demanding millions in cryptocurrency, nor a later note claiming to know the kidnappers, are genuine. A second law‑enforcement source confirmed the assessment.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home on Jan. 31, 2026. Door‑bell camera footage captured a masked individual, and DNA evidence from the porch matched her. The case is being led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which says the investigation remains active and that DNA samples and video remain under forensic analysis.

The ransom notes, first reported by media outlets including TMZ, demanded payment in cryptocurrency with tight deadlines. The FBI tested one demand by depositing a small crypto amount, which was never withdrawn, reinforcing the fraud finding. Savannah Guthrie, co‑anchor of NBC’s “Today,” has repeatedly appealed for her mother’s safe return and noted a $1 million family reward.

Former FBI agents have urged any anonymous tip‑sender to cooperate directly with law‑enforcement, warning that continued false communications only hinder the search. No arrests have been made, and officials continue to pursue authentic leads.