The FBI announced on July 2, 2026, that it is investigating extortion demands related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance that "may potentially be legitimate." This statement came a day after Reuters reported that three messages received in the case, including ransom notes, were determined to be fake.

After Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared in February, several media outlets received three messages concerning the case. Two were ransom notes, and the third claimed knowledge of the perpetrators' identities. Federal investigators assessed these communications and found them to be fake, according to an unnamed FBI official who spoke to Reuters. The official stated, "None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine."

The FBI and its task force partners have received multiple ransom notes during the investigation, some of which have been deemed extortion attempts without legitimacy. As part of efforts to verify authenticity and track perpetrators, the FBI deposited a small sum into an account mentioned in one note; however, the money remained untouched.

Reuters reported that the notes appeared to be of a common origin but were sent by individuals not connected to Guthrie’s disappearance.

Savannah Guthrie has remained vocal about her mother’s case, stating last week, "We love our mom, and we will never stop looking for her."

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