rumor campaign

buy the rumor

To purchase an asset based on positive speculation or unconfirmed reports, anticipating a price rise before the positive development leading to it is confirmed by official news.

rumor mill

A process in which a group or network of persons originate or promulgate gossip and other unsubstantiated claims.

smear campaign

An effort to damage or call into question someone's reputation, by propounding negative propaganda.

whisper campaign

A method of persuasion in which damaging rumors or innuendo are deliberately spread concerning a person or other target, while the source of the rumors tries to avoid detection.