From 1 January 2026, Russian advertising for personal-bankruptcy services may not promise or guarantee debt discharge. A statutory warning is mandatory. Consumers should treat the rule as a screening tool, notn and termination of monetary or mandatory-payment obligations. Advertising may not guarantee discharge, call for non-payment, present bankruptcy as a state-created debt-erasure system or advertise the possibility of discharge.
How to read an offer
| Ad feature | Assessment | Question |
|---|---|---|
| “All debts guaranteed” | Prohibited promise or misleading risk | Which claims and facts were reviewed |
| “Stop paying now” | Prohibited call | What default and enforcement risks were explained |
| Statutory warning | Minimum legal requirement | Is it readable and correctly formatted |
| Headline price only | Total cost remains unclear | Which services and procedure expenses are excluded |
| No identified provider | Responsibility cannot be checked | Who contracts and performs the work |
| MFC and court routes compared | More substantive approach | Why one route is recommended |
Offer check
Mark what has been provided before contracting.
Before signing
Preserve the ad
Keep the date, platform, warning and advertiser details.
Classify debts
Separate loans, taxes, maintenance, current and disputed claims.
List assets
Include housing, vehicles, shares, security and recent transactions.
Compare routes
Review court bankruptcy, MFC and creditor negotiation.
Read the price
Separate professional fees from mandatory procedure costs.
Contract for work
Record tasks and deliverables rather than a promised judgment.
Frequently asked questions
Is every mention of debt discharge prohibited?
Article 28.1 specifically regulates advertising. Informational content and individual advice depend on context and substance.
What warning is required?
The warning describes negative consequences, credit and repeat-bankruptcy restrictions for five years, and prior contact with a creditor and MFC.
May a fixed completion date be promised?
Court timing, assets and disputes vary. A universal unsupported date should not replace case analysis.
Who supervises advertising law?
The Federal Antimonopoly Service and its territorial bodies. Preserve the ad and placement details.
Does compliant advertising prove quality?
No. Review the provider, contract, scope and legal analysis.
Primary sources
- Federal Law No. 332-FZ of 31 July 2025
- Advertising Law, Article 28.1
- Insolvency Law, Article 213.28
- Federal Antimonopoly Service
Related guidance
Bankruptcy consequences · MFC procedure · Russian personal bankruptcy
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