Russians Line Up at ATMs as Banking Panic Spreads.

False warnings about the country's banking system could pose a very real threat
Rumors are spreading like wildfire in Russia that the country’s banks may need a bailout as the ruble continues to tank. Though the rumors, taken as writ by a panicky population, are as yet unfounded, the fear could pose a major threat to the Russian economy.

Over the past days, a rumor took hold that Sberbank, one of Russia’s largest banks, had plans to stop Visa and MasterCard services and prevent cash withdrawals. Alarmed Russians flocked to ATMs and quickly formed massive lines in a frenzied demand for cash.