Security tips and practices

Beware of scam e-mails:

These may appear to come from a trusted business or friend, but actually are designed to trick you into downloading a virus or jumping to a fraudulent web site and disclosing sensitive information. Therefore be very suspicious of any business or person asking in an urgent email to provide, update or confirm your password, PIN code, Account Number, Card Number, CVV2*, expiry date, or other highly sensitive information.

We at Diners Club® only ask you to enter your Diners Club card number, CVV2* and, date of birth the first time you come to the site to register your online access. After this registration step, we will ask you to sign on by entering only your User ID and Password.

We will never:

  • Send urgent or time-sensitive e-mails that ask you to provide, update or confirm sensitive data like your User ID and password, PIN, card number, CVV2*, card expiry date, etc.
  • Require you to enter anything other than your User ID and password to sign on to Diners Club online services.
  • Send you an e-mail that tells you to provide personal information because it's for your own security.
  • Send you an e-mail with input fields that asks you for sensitive information.

Even if you don't supply any information on a fraudulent web site, just clicking on a link in such an email can enable thieves to access your computer by secretly installing software on your computer (also known as spyware). Once installed, such software records everything you type, including any User IDs, Passwords and account or personal information. Thieves know how to retrieve this information, or even set it up to automatically have it sent back to them! This is a very real risk when using public or shared computers such as those in Internet cafes.

*CVV2 is the 3 digit number on the signature strip of your credit/charge card.

How to Protect Your PIN & Bank Safely Online:

  • Verify the address of every website, known as the URL.
    If you want to visit the website of Diners Club in U.K. and Ireland, pay attention to the spelling. For example:
    If it is written www.dinersclub.co.uk. you are on the official web site of the U.K. and Ireland Diners Club business.
  • Make sure that the URL you want appears in the "address" or "location" box on your browser window.
    Some websites may appear to be legitimate but actually are counterfeits. Take a few extra seconds and type the correct URL yourself.
  • Look for the padlock symbol at the bottom right of a web page where you are entering data
    to ensure the site is running in secure mode BEFORE you input sensitive information. NEVER give PIN, Password, Card Number or other personal information if the page you are entering the information on, is not displaying this yellow padlock.
  • Ensure that no one is watching you while you key in your username, password or any other sensitive information. Do not share your username or password or make it accessible to others.
  • You should NOT reveal your username or password to anyone even if they purport to be a staff member of Diners Club.
  • Use strong words usernames or passwords for your Internet accounts.
    Choose passwords that are difficult for others to guess, and use a different password for each of your accounts. Use both letters and numbers and a combination of lower case and capital letters if the usernames or passwords are case sensitive. Don't use all or part of your User ID or e-mail address, or the names of your children, partner or pet. And use a different password for each of your online accounts.
  • Change your password frequently.
    Every 30-60 days it is recommended. To change it online, sign on and then click on the link Change Password.
  • Protect your identity.
    Don't carry your passport or birth certificate - or those of your children - unless you need them that day.
  • Log off. Do not just close your browser.
    Follow the secure area exit instructions to ensure your protection.
  • Monitor your transactions.
    Review your order confirmations, and card statements as soon as you receive them to make sure that you are being charged only for transactions you made. Immediately report any irregularities by calling Diners Club UK on 0870 1900 011, Diners Club Ireland on 0818 300026 or if calling from abroad on +44 1 252 513 500 if it concerns your Diners Club card. You can also view your unbilled transactions online, so you can keep track of your spending throughout the month.
  • Do business with companies you know and trust.
    Thousands of commercial sites exist on the Internet. Only a few are using State of the Art security measures. Therefore only do business with companies that are regularly doing advertising in serious newspapers and magazines and which displays a clear privacy and security statement. It is important to read them carefully. If you have any doubt about the website you are visiting, leave the site. Do not follow any of the instructions it may present you.

Protect Your Computer:

  • Make sure your home computer has the most up to date anti-virus software.
    Anti-virus software needs regular updates (at least once a week) to guard against new viruses. Make sure you download the anti-virus updates as soon as you are notified that a download is available.
  • Keep your operating system and browser up-to-date.
    Software updates often include security enhancements that you can usually download free from e.g. www.netscape.com (for Netscape browsers), www.microsoft.com (for Internet Explorer browsers and Windows operating systems), www.mozilla.org (for Firefox and Mozilla browsers), www.apple.com (for Safari browser and Macintosh operating systems). Some sites from operating system providers can scan your computer to make sure your software is up-to-date.
  • Install a personal firewall
    A personal firewall running on your PC or on your Internet gateway / DSL model helps preventing unauthorized access to your home computer. This is recommended especially if you have a permanent connection to the Internet through a cable or DSL modem.
  • Do not select the option auto save on browsers for storing or retaining user name and password when signing on or registering to Diners Club.

Conclusion:

  • As a general rule, Diners Club will never initiate a request for sensitive information like account number, pin code or passwords from you via email. However, in the scope of Marketing campaigns or promotions, Diners Club can ask for your customer number. This request will always be done in a secure environment using strong encryption (look for the padlock).
  • To find updated information on security issues, please consult regularly the Privacy Policy page.
  • If you believe that someone is trying to commit fraud by pretending to be a Diners Club business, please contact us immediately on 0870 1900 011.
  • Print these tips and keep them handy so you can review them whenever you bank or engage in an online transaction.