Martin Lewis has advised all mobile phone owners to save and send a screenshot of their device's unique identification number, which could prove vital if the phone is stolen. The consumer journalist, founder of MoneySavingExpert (MSE), included the tip in this week's Money Tips Email.
The MSE team advised: 'Dial a quick code to save your phone's unique ID number - the police will request this. To access it, dial this quick code, then screen grab your phone's unique IMEI number - and save it somewhere other than just on your phone! If your phone's later stolen, the IMEI can be used by the network to block or identify it.'
Every mobile phone has an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), accessible by dialling *#06#. Martin previously encouraged people to store the number during a This Morning appearance, instructing: 'Everybody do this now.' He also recommended setting up biometrics, turning off preview notifications, and exploring security settings to reduce fraud risk if the phone is stolen.
Mobile networks like Vodafone confirm the IMEI number is also often found on the SIM tray, device box, or in settings. The advice aims to help safeguard personal data, though it won't prevent theft itself.
