Recent reports described a cyber incident involving three Russian banks: BZHF Bank, RRDB, and Fora Bank. The banks themselves have stated that the information circulating about their official websites being compromised is not accurate. The initial claims, circulated through various channels, alleged that hackers inserted incorrect data on the banks sites and that a presidential decree issued on November 2, 2023 would freeze a portion of customer accounts and convert balances above a threshold into government bonds. It was also claimed that smaller deposits would be held from being paid out until these supposed freezes were removed. In practice, the banks confirm that no such punitive measures were legally enacted or implemented through their platforms.
Bank representatives have reaffirmed that the information published on their sites regarding payments being suspended or accounts being frozen was erroneous. In statements published by BZHF Bank, it was explained that the official site was briefly accessed by unauthorized actors on November 9 and that the content claiming temporary payment suspensions had no legal basis and should not be trusted. The bank urged customers to rely on official communications for any account related actions and to disregard rumors circulating on social and messaging platforms.
Meanwhile, notices suggesting that the Pay System operator Mir had endured a cyber intrusion were noted prior to these developments. The sequence of events points to a pattern common in such situations where misinformation spreads quickly, often before authorities and institutions have fully confirmed details. This pattern emphasizes the importance of verifying information with official sources and avoiding reliance on unverified posts or forwarded messages from social channels.
Experts warn that attackers frequently exploit anxiety during periods of suspected financial disruption. They may attempt to persuade individuals to share personal data or to click on links that install malware or steal login credentials. In response, banks and payment operators routinely review their security measures, publish clear guidelines for customers, and provide timely alerts when legitimate updates occur. Customers are advised to check digital banking portals and official social media channels directly for any notices rather than trusting third party feeds or forwarded messages.
To reduce risk, it is prudent to remain vigilant about common scam tactics. Verify any claim of account freezes or fund conversion by visiting the bank’s official site or contacting customer service through verified channels. Do not disclose personal information in response to unsolicited messages, and do not download files or apps from untrusted sources. In the event of suspicious activity, report it to the bank and follow their instructions for securing accounts. Financial institutions continue to stress that legal actions and communications regarding account protections come through official channels and approved decrees, not through rumor mill postings.
Overall, the situation underscores a broader challenge in the digital era: the rapid spread of misinformation during moments of financial concern. The prudent course is to rely on direct statements from the banks, to confirm any updates through official portals, and to practice standard security hygiene with online banking credentials. As institutions remain vigilant, customers can navigate such incidents with confidence by sticking to verified sources and documented procedures. The episode serves as a reminder that facts, not chatter, should guide decisions about money and personal data.