Rumors circulating since autumn 2024 about the potential freezing of deposits in Russia are causing panic among citizens and prompting speculation among experts. The spread of this information, originating from anonymous Telegram channels, has led to reactions such as increased real estate investments.
First Deputy Chairman of Sovcombank, Sergei Khotimsky, suggests these rumors may be a strategic move by developers to boost real estate demand. He notes that approximately 10% of the demand at the end of last year was driven by panicked withdrawals from bank deposits being invested in property.
Lawyer Igor Kim emphasizes that the current economic situation does not warrant the state seizing citizens’ deposits. He believes the rumors benefit those who profit from deposit withdrawals, as people rush to purchase assets like apartments, cars, and household appliances.
The Chairman of the Bank of Russia, Elvira Nabiullina, has refuted the deposit-freezing claims, dismissing them as “nonsense.” She has also had to debunk similar rumors, such as a ban on cash currency.
Experts warn that manipulating economic news is dangerous, potentially undermining confidence in financial institutions and destabilizing the market. Head of Communications and Public Relations of the Proud.365 expert group, Evgenia Istomina, describes spreading rumors and information as a classic technique for manipulating public opinion, often aiming to destabilize situations or discredit competitors.
Authorities and financial institutions must actively combat disinformation by providing legal protection against slander, responding promptly with transparent information, and building trust with the public. It is crucial to foster critical thinking and fact-checking among citizens.
To verify information, individuals should check the reliability of sources, compare data from multiple independent sources, and consult official resources like government agency websites. People should be cautious of sensational headlines and panic-inducing predictions and look at the overall context before drawing conclusions.