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HomeFinancial CodeDiv. 1.1Ch. 10Art. 1§ 1327 Bank Financial Defamation Law

§ 1327 Bank Financial Defamation Law

Financial Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1327 Bank Financial Defamation Law

This law says you can't spread false rumors that make people think a bank is in financial trouble. Doing this can get you fined or even put in jail.

Key Takeaways

  • •Don't spread false rumors about a bank's money problems.
  • •Even if you just help someone else spread the rumor, you can still get in trouble.
  • •You could be fined up to $1,000 or jailed for up to a year if you break this law.

Example

You hear a rumor that a local bank is going bankrupt, even though it's not true.

If you share this rumor with others on purpose, knowing it's false, you could be breaking the law and might have to pay a fine or go to jail.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1327 Bank Financial Defamation Law

(a) Any person who willfully and knowingly makes, circulates, or transmits to another or others, any statement or rumor, written, printed, or by word of mouth, which is untrue in fact and is directly or by inference derogatory to the financial condition or affects the solvency or financial standing of any bank doing business in this state, or who knowingly counsels, aids, procures, or induces another to start, transmit, or circulate any such statement or rumor, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. (b) The provisions of Section 329 shall not apply to this section. (Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 243, Sec. 3. (SB 664) Effective January 1, 2012.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

willfully and knowinglystatement or rumorderogatory to the financial conditionsolvency or financial standingmisdemeanorfine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000)imprisonment for not more than one year

Related Statutes

  • § 1333 Bank Director Misconduct Penalties
  • § 1334 Bank Officer Loan Limits
  • § 1335 Director Loan Conflict Penalty
  • § 1337 Bank Officer Reporting Requirements
  • § 1338 Bank Insolvency Deposit Fraud

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Financial Code. Section 1327.
View Official Source