The Nancy Guthrie Ransom Notes Are NOT Fake. | TMZ

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TMZ is pushing back on earlier reports that all of the ransom-related messages in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie were fabricated, arguing that at least some of the communications remain under active federal investigation.

What TMZ is claiming

According to TMZ:

• The outlet disputes reports that all of the ransom notes have been definitively ruled fake.

• TMZ says law enforcement sources told the outlet that reports claiming every note was bogus are not accurate.

What the FBI says

The FBI's public position is more nuanced:

• Investigators say some of the messages have been determined to be fraudulent extortion attempts.

• However, officials have also said other notes remain under investigation and have not been conclusively ruled out.

At the same time, other reports citing anonymous FBI sources have stated that all three widely publicized ransom notes were deemed inauthentic, illustrating that reporting on the case has been conflicting.

The investigation continues

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home earlier this year. Authorities continue to investigate her disappearance as a kidnapping case while sorting credible leads from hoaxes.

Bottom line

TMZ is disputing reports that every ransom note tied to the Nancy Guthrie case has been proven fake, while the FBI has indicated that some messages were fraudulent but others are still being evaluated. Because the investigation remains active, the authenticity of all communications has not been resolved publicly.