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Card skimmer safety for shoppers
Last updated: 2026-10-28
Simple habits and a free app to help keep your card safe at the pump, the ATM and the checkout.
Free for shoppers. No account needed to check a reader.
Hold your phone near a card reader and the app listens for a Bluetooth skimmer, then gives you one clear result.
Find places near you that check their own card readers on the free safety map.
If a reader looks wrong, you can report it in the app so other shoppers are warned.
Quick habits that help
A little care, wherever you pay.
- At the pumpPick a pump close to the store window, check the panel and seal, give the card slot a tug, and tap to pay or pay inside when you can. Pump tips →
- At the ATMPrefer an ATM inside a bank, wiggle the card slot, cover your PIN, and watch for a hidden camera. ATM tips →
- At the checkoutLook for a reader that is loose or bulky, use tap or a phone wallet, and cover your PIN.
- EBT and SNAPCheck your balance after each trip, change your PIN if anything looks off, and lock your card in your state's app if it has one. EBT and SNAP tips →
- TravelingUnfamiliar pumps are higher risk, so check with the app at each stop. Road-trip tips →
Look for the SkimGuard sticker
Stores that check their readers show a sticker.
A store with the SkimGuard sticker checks its own card readers. Scan the sticker's QR code to see that store's recent checks.
If you think you were skimmed
What to do, step by step.
- Call your bankUse the number on the back of your card and tell them right away. Ask them to lock or replace the card.
- Change your PINSet a new PIN, and update it anywhere you reuse it.
- Watch your statementsLook for charges you do not recognize, and report them to your bank.
- Tell the storeLet the manager know which reader looked wrong so they can take it out of use.
- Report it in the appReport the reader in SkimGuard so the next person is warned.
FAQ
Common questions.
How can I tell if a card reader has a skimmer?
Look at the reader and give it a gentle tug. A part that is loose, bulky, or a different color than the rest can be a sign. Shield the keypad when you enter your PIN, and open the free SkimGuard app to check for a hidden wireless skimmer. A clear check is a good sign, not a guarantee, so trust your eyes too.
Is tapping safer than swiping?
Tapping or using your phone wallet is generally safer than swiping, because it does not expose the magnetic stripe a skimmer copies. Use tap or the chip when you can, and cover your PIN.
Is the SkimGuard app free?
Yes. The SkimGuard app for shoppers is free on iPhone and Android, with no ads. You do not need an account to check a reader.
What should I do if my card was skimmed?
Call your bank or card issuer right away using the number on the back of your card, and ask them to lock or replace the card. Change your PIN, watch your statements, tell the store manager, and report the reader in the SkimGuard app.
Own a store?
Learn how you can protect your customers.
SkimGuard helps your staff check your card readers, keep a record, and show customers you care.
Check before you pay.
SkimGuard is free on iPhone and Android. No subscription, no ads, and sign-in is optional.