As of 17th September 2015, the diamond geezer blog is going contactless.
Please swipe your contactless card below to access the site.
FAQ
What is contactless?
Contactless is a fast, easy and secure way to keep in touch, and is becoming increasingly common on a range of devices including:
• Pre-paid, debit, charge and credit cards
• Mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets
• Wearable devices, such as watches, hats and wristbands
How does contactless work?
Each contactless device contains a magic antenna so that when it is touched against a contactless terminal, it securely transmits information using either radio-frequency identification (RFID) or near field communication (NFC).
Is my data secure?
When you touch your card or device on a terminal, information is securely transmitted between the two. Contactless only works when a card or device is within a few centimetres of the terminal, which makes it virtually impossible for any details to be intercepted while in use, apart from unspecified unsafe situations, cloning and fraud.
What are the advantages of contactless?
As well as being easier - just a swipe of the hand - contactless is always up to two times quicker. Contactless is also more hygienic, with no need to make physical contact, and more importantly is much cheaper for us to administer.
How do I gain access using contactless?
Simply touch your contactless card or device against the screen. A beep or green light shows your encrypted signature has been approved. For extra security, you will occasionally be asked to enter your PIN, an eight-digit password or your thumbprint. Please note that you may not be able to use your phone for access unless you can find a way to wave the device across its own screen.
How is my personal information used?
We will use your personal information for the purposes of customer services and administration, the provision of related information, customer research, marketing-related tracking services and fraud prevention. We may also share your personal information with the police and other law enforcement agencies for the purposes of the prevention or detection of crime, but this is nothing new, and rest assured they are very grateful.
What if I am outside the UK?
All American Express contactless cards are compatible with UK networks, as are nearly all MasterCard and Maestro contactless payment cards issued outside the UK, but some Visa and V PAY contactless payment cards from countries issued outside the UK are not accepted for contactless travel, or alternatively you can send a postal order to the usual address. Please be aware that overseas transaction charges may apply.
What if I am having issues with using my contactless card?
This is unlikely, but anyway. Check to ensure that your contactless card displays the contactless indicator symbol on the front or back of the card. You may first have to make a Chip and PIN transaction with your card before using it to access digital information. If your card is new, you should also check the 'Valid From' date to ensure it is ready to be used. Alternatively, try waving your card a bit closer to the screen, or jiggling it about a bit faster, because this sometimes works.
What is the worst thing that could happen using contactless?
If you touch a purse or wallet containing more than one contactless card on a reader you could be affected by card clash. The reader could take information from a card you did not intend to use, or you could be charged twice, or one of the cards might crack down the middle due to electronic stress, or a small child may be harmed. Only touch one card on the reader, because card clash is horrible, and the system isn't quite clever enough yet.
Why is contactless the future?
Best not ask these questions, simply accept change and embrace progress.
What if I do not have a contactless card?
Everybody has a contactless card. Get with the program Grandad.
