If you have ever been responsible for managing the security of your team in the face of rumors, this conversation rings of truth.

The humanitarian organization I worked for eradicated every last small-head US dollar from circulation in our salary payments in 24 hours because the staff brought us a rumour that was circulating in the market that small-head dollars would not be accepted by the banks anymore.

Rumors can kill (literally, or maybe if you're lucky, only morale).