Federal investigators have reportedly determined that the ransom notes connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie were not genuine, adding another unexpected development to the months-long investigation into the 84-year-old Arizona woman’s disappearance.

The reported finding comes as authorities continue searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who vanished from her Tucson home during the early morning hours of Feb. 1. Despite an extensive investigation involving local, state and federal agencies, no suspects have been publicly identified, and the case remains unsolved.

According to Reuters, an FBI official familiar with the investigation said all three ransom notes that surfaced after Nancy’s disappearance have been classified as fake communications.

The notes had fueled speculation for months, with each appearing to offer new information about the case. Instead, investigators now reportedly believe they were attempts to mislead authorities or exploit a high-profile investigation.

The first ransom demand appeared shortly after Nancy disappeared.

That message was reportedly sent to TMZ and demanded millions of dollars in cryptocurrency in exchange for her safe return.

A second communication later claimed that Nancy had died shortly after being abducted, creating additional anguish for her family while investigators attempted to determine whether the message contained credible information.

More recently, a third note surfaced claiming to identify the people allegedly responsible for Nancy’s disappearance.

Each communication prompted investigators to devote time and resources to determining whether it contained legitimate evidence or represented another false lead.

According to Reuters, federal investigators ultimately concluded that none of the three notes should be considered authentic.

The FBI official who discussed the investigation reportedly spoke on condition of anonymity because the case remains active.

Although the Reuters report suggested all three notes had been ruled fake, the FBI later released a more nuanced public statement emphasizing that investigators continue evaluating every communication received during the investigation.

In that statement, FBI Phoenix said investigators have received several ransom-related messages since Nancy disappeared.

Some of those communications, the agency explained, have already been determined to be extortion attempts lacking any legitimacy.

Others, however, continue to be examined as potentially credible while investigators work to determine their origin.

The bureau stressed that the investigation remains an active kidnapping-for-ransom case despite the questions surrounding the reported fake messages.

Investigators have not publicly explained exactly how they determined every communication lacked credibility.

However, Reuters reported that the first two notes were traced to the same sender after investigators analyzed their contents and supporting evidence.

Authorities also reportedly attempted to verify the authenticity of the cryptocurrency demand contained in the first message.

According to the report, investigators deposited a relatively small amount of digital currency into the wallet specified by whoever sent the ransom demand.

Officials reportedly monitored the account afterward.

Because the cryptocurrency remained untouched, investigators concluded that the account had likely been created solely to make the ransom demand appear genuine.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the investigative methods used to evaluate the third note, which allegedly claimed to identify Nancy’s kidnappers.

Officials have likewise declined to discuss whether they know who authored any of the messages.

The developments have been especially painful for Nancy’s family, who have endured months of uncertainty while hoping for meaningful information about her whereabouts.

Savannah Guthrie has largely refrained from discussing the investigation in detail while continuing her role as co-anchor of NBC’s Today.

However, after reports emerged regarding one of the ransom notes claiming Nancy had died, she addressed viewers during an emotional appearance on the morning program.

Holding back tears, Savannah explained that she had deliberately avoided reporting on her own family’s case but felt compelled to speak directly to the public.

She urged anyone with information—no matter how insignificant it might seem—to contact investigators.

Her emotional appeal reflected the continuing uncertainty surrounding the disappearance.

Rather than focusing on the conflicting ransom communications, Savannah emphasized that investigators still need genuine tips capable of advancing the investigation.

Months earlier, she had also spoken candidly during an interview about the emotional impact of receiving multiple ransom-related messages.

At the time, she explained that numerous communications had circulated during the investigation.

Although she believed many were likely fabricated, she admitted she initially thought at least two of the messages might prove legitimate because investigators had responded to them.

She also criticized anyone who would deliberately send false ransom demands to a grieving family already experiencing unimaginable uncertainty.

Her comments underscored the emotional toll that misleading information can have on victims’ relatives.

Every false lead forces investigators to dedicate additional resources while simultaneously raising and then shattering hopes for family members desperate for answers.

Following Reuters’ report, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department reiterated that the investigation remains active.

 

Officials declined to specifically address the reported conclusions regarding the ransom notes, instead emphasizing that detectives continue evaluating every lead that reaches investigators.

The sheriff’s office stated that all tips are reviewed carefully and coordinated with federal partners assisting in the investigation.

Sheriff Chris Nanos likewise confirmed that investigators have received information regarding multiple possible ransom communications throughout the case.

He stressed that each piece of information continues to be forwarded directly to detectives responsible for investigating Nancy’s disappearance.

Federal authorities have similarly emphasized that cooperation between agencies remains ongoing.

When questioned about Reuters’ report during an unrelated press conference, FBI Director Kash Patel declined to discuss details of the investigation.

Instead, he explained that local authorities remain the primary agency leading the case while the FBI continues providing investigative assistance.

The bureau later reiterated that commitment in a formal statement, emphasizing that federal agents will continue supporting local investigators throughout the investigation.

The disappearance itself remains one of the central unanswered questions.

Nancy vanished from her Tucson residence during the early morning hours of February 1 under circumstances investigators have not fully explained publicly.

Search efforts have continued for months, involving multiple law enforcement agencies working alongside specialized investigative resources.

Authorities have released relatively few details about the evidence collected from Nancy’s home, hoping to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

That limited public information has contributed to widespread speculation, making the appearance of multiple ransom notes especially significant.

Each communication briefly redirected public attention before investigators assessed its credibility.

Now, with at least some of those messages reportedly determined to be fraudulent, detectives are once again urging the public to focus on verified information rather than rumors.

Law enforcement officials have repeatedly reminded the public that even seemingly minor observations could ultimately prove important.

Someone may remember an unfamiliar vehicle, unusual activity, or a conversation that initially appeared insignificant but could help investigators reconstruct Nancy’s final known movements.

Authorities continue encouraging anyone with information to contact investigators rather than attempting to independently verify or publicize unconfirmed claims.

For Savannah Guthrie and her family, the investigation remains deeply personal despite its growing national attention.

Every new development brings renewed public interest while simultaneously reopening emotional wounds for relatives still searching for answers.

The reported findings regarding the ransom notes may eliminate one avenue of investigation, but they do not solve the central mystery surrounding Nancy’s disappearance.

Until investigators determine exactly what happened—and who may be responsible—the case remains open.

For now, law enforcement agencies continue following every credible lead while urging the public to separate verified facts from speculation, hoping that one legitimate tip will eventually provide the breakthrough that months of investigation have yet to deliver.