How do I reach SkimGuard for a story?

Email hello@skimguard.io with your outlet, your story and your deadline. Founder Joe Gilkey replies personally, usually within one business day.

SkimGuard is an app that checks card readers for hidden skimmers. Many skimmers send stolen card data over a wireless signal, and SkimGuard listens for that signal. Shoppers use a free app on iPhone and Android. Stores use it on the Android phones and handhelds they already have, with no new equipment, and keep a simple, time-stamped inspection log.

What does SkimGuard cost a store?

Small Business is $25 a month per location for up to 5 card readers. Standard is $50 a month per location for up to 20 readers, plus $5 a month for each reader over 20. There is no trial. A store that cancels within 30 days gets a full refund of its first month. The code LAUNCH20 takes 20% off for 12 months.

Can SkimGuard find every skimmer?

No. SkimGuard finds skimmers that send a wireless signal. It cannot find skimmers that don't, so an all-clear means nothing was found, not that a reader is guaranteed safe. Shoppers should still give the reader a quick look and a gentle tug before they pay.

Where can I get SkimGuard logos and images?

Logos, a founder headshot and app screens are free for editorial use. They are linked on this page and on the SkimGuard media kit at skimguard.io/press/.

For Journalists: Facts, Quotes, Images

Fast facts

SkimGuard at a glance.

What it is	An app that checks card readers for hidden skimmers. Many skimmers send stolen card data over a wireless signal. SkimGuard listens for that signal and warns you.
For shoppers	Free app on iPhone and Android. Check a pump, ATM or checkout reader before you pay.
For stores	Staff check each pump, register and self-checkout with a guided inspection, using the Android phones and handhelds stores already have. No new equipment. Every check is saved in a simple, time-stamped inspection log.
Public map	map.skimguard.io shows community scans. Stores that check their readers with SkimGuard show a Protected pin.
Store pricing	Small Business: $25/mo per location, up to 5 readers. Standard: $50/mo per location, up to 20 readers, plus $5/mo for each reader over 20. There is no trial. Instead, a store that cancels within 30 days gets a full refund of its first month. Launch offer: code LAUNCH20 takes 20% off for 12 months.
What it can't do	It can't find skimmers that don't send a signal. An all-clear means nothing was found, not that a reader is guaranteed safe.
Company	SkimGuard, Inc. Founded 2026. Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Founder	Joe Gilkey, Founder and CEO
Press contact	hello@skimguard.io

One thing we ask

SkimGuard finds skimmers that send a wireless signal. It can't see every kind. Please remind readers to also give the card reader a quick look and a gentle tug before they pay.

Quotes

From Joe Gilkey, founder.

You're welcome to use these with attribution to Joe Gilkey, Founder and CEO of SkimGuard. For a fresh quote on your story, just email.

"Skimmers are installed in under thirty seconds and are visually identical to legitimate hardware. No consumer can be expected to detect them by eye."

Joe Gilkey, Founder and CEO, SkimGuard

Tips for your readers

Simple habits that help.

Free to quote or reprint. No credit needed.

Look and tugBefore you pay, check the reader for anything loose, bulky or crooked, and give it a gentle tug.
Tap or use the chipTap to pay or insert the chip when you can, instead of swiping.
Cover the keypadShield your hand when you type your PIN.
Lock your EBT cardIf your state's EBT app lets you, lock your card between shopping trips.
Watch your accountTurn on alerts and look for small charges you don't recognize. A tiny charge is often a test.
Speak upIf something seems off, tell your bank and let the store know, so they can check their other readers.

Free app for iPhone Free app for Android

Story ideas

Angles we can help with.

Joe is happy to talk on the record or on background about any of these.

EBT and SNAP card theft. Why benefit cards are a common target, and the simple steps families can take.
Gas pump skimmers. How they get inside a pump, and how station staff can check for them each day.
Holiday shopping. Busy stores, long lines and distracted shoppers. Practical ways to stay safe.
Small stores looking after their customers. How a corner store or a single gas station can check its own readers in a few minutes.
Everyday habits. What anyone can do at the pump, the ATM or the checkout.

Public map and data

See where people are checking.

The public map at map.skimguard.io shows community scans and stores marked Protected. Anyone can browse it.

We don't publish statistics on this page. If your story needs numbers, ask us. We'll tell you what we have and what it can and can't show. We never share anyone's personal details. About our data.

About the founder

Joe Gilkey

Joe spent five years as Head of IT at King Kullen Grocery, a regional grocery chain with 25+ stores, where he looked after the card readers and payment security across the chain. Before that he was an engineer at NAPCO Security Technologies, Clever Devices and Clear. He built SkimGuard so any store, and any shopper, can check a card reader simply.

Email Joe · Full bio in the media kit

Covering card skimming? Here's what you need, fast.

SkimGuard at a glance.

From Joe Gilkey, founder.

Simple habits that help.

Images and logos, free for editorial use.

Angles we can help with.

See where people are checking.

Outside sources and our guides.

Joe Gilkey

We'll help.