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Authorities Warn of Fake QR‑Code Money Scam in Nancy Guthrie Investigation

Fraudulent payment posts are complicating the active FBI investigation led with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department into Guthrie’s disappearance.

Overview

  • Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen entering her Tucson home on January 31 and investigators are treating the case as a possible kidnapping after dried blood found at the door tested as her DNA.
  • The FBI’s Phoenix office and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department continue an active, forensic-led probe that includes review of surveillance footage, genetic and pacemaker data, and cross-border leads.
  • Officials say multiple ransom-style communications have been received; investigators have labeled some as extortion while others remain under examination for authenticity.
  • Prosecutors secured a guilty plea from Derrick Callella for harassing Guthrie’s family with a fake bitcoin demand, with sentencing set for September 10, and authorities warn more hoaxers will be prosecuted.
  • Law enforcement urged the public on July 14–15 to ignore and report social posts that include QR codes requesting money, stressed that police will never ask for payments, and highlighted $1 million from the family plus additional FBI and local rewards for verified tips.