The One Detail Causing A Former FBI Agent To Label Nancy Guthrie Ransom Letter ‘A Scam’

Multiple ransom notes have emerged since 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Arizona home in late January 2026.

The latest correspondence shared with Savannah Guthrie and her family demands $6 million by 5 PM on Monday, February 9.

While authorities strive to confirm the note's authenticity, experts are questioning whether the writers are even located in the United States.

According to JJ McKinney of the Tucson ABC affiliate KGUN9, "multiple ransom notes" have been sent to the media, including his station. McKinney explained that within the letter, the possible abductors demand the Guthrie family pay $6 million before the Monday deadline.

The letter reportedly stated that Nancy's life could be in danger if the cash were not delivered on time.

Savannah Guthrie, host of "Today," appeared in an emotional video and agreed to pay. However, some experts are still questioning the legitimacy of the ransom letter, including former FBI agent Michael Harrigan.

According to the New York Post, Harrigan is also wondering whether the ransom letter authors are even stationed in the United States, noting that they requested the funds be sent in "USD."

"If you're domestic, why would you ever put 'USD?' You put 6 million," Harrigan said. "Why would you use that if you're a domestic person? That points to somebody who might be potentially outside the country."

Harrigan also said the USD detail "lends the potential for this being a scam."

Harrigan isn't alone in his thinking. The Blast reported on Chris Swecker, a former FBI Assistant Director, who similarly questions the reality of the situation.

Swecker asked many questions, such as whether there was really a kidnapping, whether someone was actually holding Nancy, and whether she was alive. "I'm very skeptical of this," he said.

Swecker also pointed to the potential abductor's inability to provide proof of life. "If this was a kidnapping, it would be a very simple matter to authenticate and provide proof of life," he said. "You have to allow for the possibility that this was something more or something other than a kidnapping."

Nancy Guthrie has been missing for nine days; just before the 5 PM deadline on February 9, Savannah released another emotional video pleading with her followers for "help" in locating her elderly mother.

In the video, Savannah thanked those who had been praying for her mother's safe return before sharing a hopeful message.

"We believe that somehow, some way, she is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her even in this moment and in this darkest place," she said. "We believe our mom is still out there."

Savannah noted that multiple law enforcement agencies were working to locate her mother before pleading for the public's help.

"I'm coming on just to ask you, not just for your prayers, but no matter where you are, even if you're far from Tucson, if you see anything, you hear anything, if there's anything at all that seems strange to you, that you report to law enforcement," she said. "We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help."

Hoda Kotb appeared on a recent episode of "Today" and sent love Savannah's way. During her appearance, the NBC veteran became emotional as she reflected on the support the rest of the world showed Savannah during such a crucial time.

"I think there's like this helpless feeling. I mean, we're all so close with her, and we all want to help her," Kotb said. "I'm looking at us, and I was thinking, 'Who was first in the hospital room when (my daughter) Hope was sick?' Savannah."

"I mean, she was there. And I was thinking this morning. I was like, you know, they say love is patient, love is kind — we'll be patient and put prayers up," Kotb added.