ATM Fraud Explained: Common Types, Risks and 5 Effective Ways to Protect Your Money

by Jobuza Team | Jul 1, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) have transformed the way people access banking services. They provide quick, convenient and paperless banking facilities, allowing customers to withdraw cash, check account balances and view recent transactions anytime without visiting a bank branch.

However, the growing use of ATMs has also increased the risk of financial fraud. Fraudsters use advanced techniques to steal sensitive banking information such as ATM PINs, card details, and OTPs, which can lead to unauthorised transactions and financial losses.

With the rise in digital banking scams, it has become important for every bank customer to understand how ATM fraud works and learn the right ways to keep their money safe. Staying informed about new fraud techniques and following basic security practices can help prevent such incidents.

What Is ATM Fraud?

ATM fraud refers to illegal activities where criminals steal money or confidential banking information from ATM users. Fraudsters often use hidden devices, fake equipment, or social engineering techniques to access card details and misuse them for unauthorised transactions.

These scams can affect anyone using an ATM, making awareness and caution essential while carrying out banking transactions.

Common Types of ATM Fraud

Card Skimming

Card skimming is one of the most common ATM fraud methods. In this technique, fraudsters install illegal devices on ATM card slots to secretly capture card information. The stolen data is then used to create fake cards or make unauthorised transactions.

Card Trapping

In card trapping scams, criminals use physical devices to block or trap a user’s card inside the ATM machine. When the customer leaves to seek assistance or contact the bank, fraudsters remove the card and use it to withdraw money or access banking information.

Shoulder Surfing

Shoulder surfing involves secretly watching a user’s activities while they enter their ATM PIN. Fraudsters may observe PIN details directly or use hidden cameras to record sensitive information. They later use these details to access the account and carry out fraudulent transactions.

Phishing Scams

Phishing scams involve tricking users into sharing confidential banking details through fake calls, messages, emails or websites. Fraudsters often ask for information such as ATM PINs, OTPs, CVVs or card details by pretending to be bank representatives.

Once these details are obtained, criminals can misuse them for unauthorised transactions.

How Can ATM Fraud Affect Customers?

ATM fraud can cause serious financial and emotional difficulties for victims. Some common impacts include:

• Loss of money through unauthorised transactions
• Theft of personal and banking information
• Stress and anxiety while recovering funds
• Risk of identity theft
• Damage to financial security and confidence

Victims often spend considerable time reporting fraud, blocking cards, contacting banks and trying to recover lost funds. In severe cases, such incidents can create major financial challenges for individuals and their families.

5 Smart Ways to Protect Your Money from ATM Fraud

1. Check the ATM Before Using It

Always inspect the ATM carefully before starting a transaction. Look for unusual devices, loose card slots, damaged keypads or suspicious attachments that may indicate tampering.

Avoid using ATMs that appear damaged or located in isolated areas.

2. Protect Your PIN While Entering It

Always cover the ATM keypad while entering your PIN. This prevents hidden cameras or nearby individuals from viewing your confidential information.

If someone is standing too close while you are making a transaction, maintain a safe distance and avoid sharing any banking details.

3. Use ATMs in Safe Locations

Prefer using ATMs located inside bank branches, shopping centres, busy markets or areas with proper CCTV surveillance and security arrangements.

Avoid using ATMs in poorly lit or less crowded locations, especially during unusual hours.

4. Enable Transaction Alerts

Activate SMS alerts, mobile banking notifications and email alerts for your bank account. These notifications help you identify suspicious transactions quickly and take immediate action.

If you notice any unauthorised activity, contact your bank immediately.

5. Do Not Take Help from Strangers

If your ATM card gets stuck inside the machine, do not accept help from unknown people nearby. Fraudsters often use such situations to steal card details or money.

Always contact your bank’s official customer support number or visit the nearest bank branch for assistance.

Conclusion

ATM fraud methods are becoming more advanced with time, making awareness and careful banking habits more important than ever. By understanding different types of ATM scams and following basic safety measures, customers can significantly reduce the risk of financial fraud.

Protecting your money starts with staying alert, keeping banking information private and using ATMs responsibly.

RERA FAQs: 25 Important Questions Every Homebuyer Must Know Before Buying a Property

by Jobuza Team | Jul 1, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

What Is RERA Act and Why Was It Introduced?

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, commonly known as RERA, was passed by Parliament in 2016 to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in India’s real estate sector. The main purpose of this law is to protect homebuyers and create a regulated environment where developers follow clear guidelines.

Before RERA was introduced, property buyers often faced problems such as delayed project completion, lack of proper information, changes in project plans, and financial losses due to developer-related issues. The Act was designed to address these concerns and provide better protection to buyers.

How Does RERA Help Homebuyers?

RERA gives homebuyers more confidence while investing in residential and commercial properties. The law ensures that developers provide accurate project details, follow approved plans, and complete projects within the promised timeline.

The Act also allows buyers to take legal action against developers in case of delays, misleading information, or violations of rules.

Which Projects Need Registration Under RERA?

According to RERA guidelines, residential and commercial projects with more than 500 square metres of land area or projects having more than eight apartments must be registered with the respective state’s Real Estate Regulatory Authority before they can be marketed or sold.

Developers are required to disclose important project details, including approvals, layout plans, construction progress, and expected completion dates, so buyers can make informed decisions.

What Information Must Developers Provide Under RERA?

Developers must upload complete project-related information on the RERA authority’s website. This includes approved plans, legal documents, project status, completion schedule, and details of the developer.

These disclosures help buyers verify project details before making an investment decision.

How Does RERA Prevent Misuse of Homebuyers’ Money?

One of the key provisions of RERA is financial security for buyers. Under the Act, developers must deposit 70% of the amount collected from buyers into a separate bank account.

This money can only be used for land and construction expenses of the registered project. This rule helps prevent fund diversion and reduces the chances of project delays.

What Rights Do Homebuyers Get Under RERA?

RERA provides several important rights to property buyers, including:

• Access to complete project information
• Right to receive possession within the agreed timeline
• Right to claim interest for delays
• Right to seek a refund in certain situations
• Right to file complaints against developers

These provisions ensure that buyers have legal protection throughout the property purchase process.

What Are the Responsibilities of Homebuyers Under RERA?

While RERA protects buyers, it also defines their responsibilities. Buyers must make payments on time, take possession of the property within the specified period, and complete required legal procedures such as registration of documents.

Are Real Estate Agents Covered Under RERA?

Yes, real estate agents dealing with registered projects are also covered under RERA. They must register with the concerned authority and follow the rules prescribed under the Act.

The law ensures that agents provide correct information and follow fair practices while helping buyers purchase properties.

How Does RERA Handle Delayed Projects?

If a developer fails to provide possession within the promised timeline, buyers have the right to claim compensation. They can either withdraw from the project and seek a refund with interest or continue with the project and receive interest for the delay period.

How Can Buyers File a Complaint Under RERA?

Homebuyers can approach their respective state RERA authority to file complaints against developers or agents. The authority is responsible for resolving disputes and ensuring compliance with RERA regulations.

What Are the Penalties for Violating RERA Rules?

RERA includes strict penalties for developers and agents who fail to follow the regulations. Penalties may apply for issues such as non-registration of projects, providing false information, or not following authority orders.

These penalties help maintain accountability in the real estate sector.

Frequently Asked Questions About RERA

The following 25 frequently asked questions explain important aspects of the RERA Act, including developer responsibilities, buyer rights, registration requirements, penalties, and complaint procedures. Understanding these rules can help homebuyers make safer and more informed property decisions.

Zero Tax on Income? Know How Section 87A Rebate Works in Old and New Tax Regimes

by Jobuza Team | Jun 30, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

Filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for FY 2025-26 requires proper understanding of the applicable tax slabs and benefits available under both the old and new income tax regimes.

Many salaried taxpayers often wonder whether they can legally pay zero income tax on their earnings. The answer depends on the tax regime selected, total taxable income, deductions claimed, and eligibility for tax rebates.

One of the most important benefits available to eligible taxpayers is the Section 87A rebate under the Income Tax Act, which can significantly reduce or eliminate tax liability.

What Is Section 87A Tax Rebate?

Section 87A rebate is a tax benefit provided to resident individual taxpayers whose total income falls within the specified limit.

Under this rebate, taxpayers can reduce their final tax liability after calculating tax as per applicable income tax slabs.

The process works as follows:

1. Tax is calculated according to the applicable income tax rates.
2. The eligible Section 87A rebate amount is deducted from the calculated tax.
3. The remaining tax liability becomes zero if the rebate covers the entire tax amount.

Zero Tax Benefit Under New Income Tax Regime

Under the new income tax regime, individuals with total income up to ₹12 lakh can claim a rebate of up to ₹60,000 under Section 87A.

This means eligible taxpayers with income up to ₹12 lakh may have no tax liability after applying the rebate.

However, taxpayers should note that the basic exemption limit and zero-tax limit are different concepts.

For example, even if the basic exemption limit is lower, taxpayers may still pay zero tax due to the Section 87A rebate benefit.

Section 87A Rebate Under Old Tax Regime

Taxpayers opting for the old income tax regime can also claim Section 87A benefits.

Under the old regime:

• Individuals with taxable income up to ₹5 lakh can claim a rebate of up to ₹12,500.
• This benefit can reduce the final tax liability to zero for eligible taxpayers.

Taxpayers can choose between the old and new tax regimes depending on their income structure, deductions, and financial planning.

Marginal Relief Under New Tax Regime

Apart from the Section 87A rebate, the new tax regime also provides marginal relief for taxpayers whose income slightly exceeds ₹12 lakh.

This provision ensures that taxpayers do not face a sudden increase in tax liability just because their income crosses the rebate limit.

According to tax experts, marginal relief applies when taxable income exceeds ₹12 lakh but remains within the specified limit.

Under marginal relief, the additional tax payable is restricted to the amount by which income exceeds the ₹12 lakh threshold.

Section 87A Rebate Explained With Examples

The benefit of Section 87A can be understood through different income scenarios:

The final tax calculation depends on deductions, exemptions, income sources, and applicable tax rules.

Important Points About Section 87A Rebate

Taxpayers should keep the following points in mind:

• Under the new tax regime, Section 87A rebate is not available on income taxed at special rates, such as certain capital gains or lottery winnings.
• Under the old tax regime, rebate benefits are available against normal tax liability but may not apply to certain long-term capital gains covered under Section 112A.
• Only resident individual taxpayers can claim the Section 87A rebate.
• Taxpayers must calculate their total taxable income correctly before claiming the benefit.

Section 87A Changes From FY 2026-27

Section 87A of the Income Tax Act, 1961 will be replaced by Section 156 of the Income Tax Act, 2025 from 1 April 2026.

The new provision will apply from Financial Year 2026-27 and taxpayers should check updated tax rules while filing future income tax returns.

Final Takeaway

Section 87A rebate is an important tax-saving benefit for eligible taxpayers. By understanding the rules of both old and new tax regimes, taxpayers can choose the right option and reduce their tax burden legally.

Before filing ITR for FY 2025-26, taxpayers should carefully check their income, deductions, and rebate eligibility to ensure accurate tax calculation.

House Rent Rules 2026: 7 Important Changes Every Tenant in India Should Know

by Jobuza Team | Jun 30, 2026 | BLOG, Trending News

The rental housing market in India is growing rapidly, and with changing laws and digital processes, tenants need to stay updated before renting a property in 2026.

However, there is no single set of new rent rules that applies uniformly across the entire country. Since tenancy laws come under state jurisdiction, rules can vary from one state to another.

The Model Tenancy Act (MTA), 2021 provides a framework for rental agreements and tenant-landlord relationships, but states have the option to adopt or modify these guidelines according to their requirements.

Before signing a rental agreement in 2026, tenants should understand the important rules and responsibilities applicable in their state.

1. Written Rental Agreement Is Now More Important Than Ever

The practice of renting a house based only on verbal promises is gradually disappearing across India.

Property experts recommend having a detailed written rental agreement that clearly mentions all important terms, including:

• Monthly rent amount
• Security deposit details
• Lock-in period
• Maintenance responsibilities
• Notice period
• Rent increase terms
• Renewal conditions

A properly drafted rental agreement helps avoid misunderstandings and protects the rights of both tenants and landlords.

2. Digital Registration of Rental Agreements Is Increasing

One major change in the rental sector in 2026 is the growing use of digital registration systems.

Several states are moving towards online platforms where rental agreements can be submitted and registered digitally with authorities.

However, tenants should remember that digital registration is not yet a mandatory nationwide rule. Requirements may differ depending on state laws and local regulations.

Before renting a property, tenants should check the registration process applicable in their city or state.

3. Security Deposit Rules for Tenants

Security deposit has always been one of the biggest concerns for tenants.

Under the Model Tenancy Act, a limit of up to two months’ rent for residential properties has been suggested as the security deposit amount.

However, this rule is not automatically applicable across all parts of India. In many cities with high rental demand, landlords may still ask for higher deposits if allowed under local practices or state regulations.

Tenants should check the applicable rules before making any payment.

4. Rent Increase Terms Must Be Clearly Mentioned

Tenants should avoid agreements where landlords say, “We will decide the rent later.”

Every rental agreement should clearly mention:

• When the rent can be increased
• How frequently rent can be revised
• The formula or percentage for rent hikes

Having clear rent revision terms helps prevent future disputes between tenants and landlords.

5. Maintenance Responsibilities Should Be Clearly Defined

Maintenance-related issues are among the most common reasons for landlord-tenant disputes.

Before signing the rental agreement, both parties should clearly decide who will handle different types of repairs.

Generally:

• Major structural repairs are handled by landlords.
• Daily maintenance and minor repairs are usually the tenant’s responsibility.

Clearly defining these responsibilities in advance can help avoid conflicts during the tenancy period.

6. Landlords Cannot Remove Tenants Without Legal Process

Social media often spreads misinformation that landlords can immediately remove tenants after a lease expires or during a dispute.

However, landlords generally need to follow proper legal procedures and notice requirements before asking tenants to vacate.

At the same time, tenants should also follow the agreed lease terms. Staying in a property beyond the agreed rental period may lead to penalties or legal action depending on applicable state rules.

Following proper notice periods protects the interests of both tenants and property owners.

7. Tenant and Landlord Verification Is Important

Identity verification and documentation have become an important part of the rental process.

Depending on state rules, tenants and landlords may need to complete formalities such as:

• Police verification
• Identity proof submission
• Aadhaar or PAN details
• Required rental forms

Completing these verification processes helps maintain transparency and reduces the chances of future legal issues.

Things Tenants Should Check Before Renting a House in 2026

Before finalising a rental property, tenants should:

• Read the rental agreement carefully.
• Understand all charges and responsibilities.
• Check security deposit conditions.
• Confirm maintenance rules.
• Verify landlord details.
• Follow state-specific tenancy regulations.

With changing rental practices and increasing digital processes, staying informed about house rent rules in 2026 can help tenants avoid disputes and ensure a smoother renting experience.