Personal finance guru Martin Lewis has delivered an urgent security warning to all mobile phone users during his latest ITV programme, emphasising that immediate action is required to protect devices from increasingly sophisticated thieves.
Essential Security Measures Every Phone Owner Must Take
The consumer champion explained that while many people believe strong passcodes and biometric authentication provide sufficient protection, these measures alone are inadequate against determined criminals. He stressed that additional layers of security are absolutely vital in today's climate of rising mobile theft.
The Critical Five-Digit Code You Need to Enter Immediately
Mr Lewis revealed that one of the most important steps anyone can take involves entering the simple code *#06# directly into their phone's dialler. This action displays the device's unique IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number, which serves as a digital fingerprint for your handset.
"You should immediately screenshot this IMEI image and save it securely," Mr Lewis advised during The Martin Lewis Money Show Live. "If your phone is stolen, you can provide this to the police who can then block your handset from being used on any network. This dramatically reduces its value to thieves and makes theft less appealing."
Beyond Basic Biometrics: Protecting Your Financial Information
Responding to viewer Paula's question about securing banking apps if a phone is stolen, Mr Lewis provided crucial guidance that extends beyond standard security practices. He emphasised that biometric protection should be enabled not just for unlocking your phone, but specifically for accessing every banking application and other sensitive apps containing personal data.
"My instant response is biometrics to open your phone isn't enough," he stated clearly. "You need biometrics to open your phone which is a fingerprint or face ID and to open your banking app. It should be up on any secure app - you should have that too."
He added an important warning about PIN codes: "If you use a PIN, please don't have the same PIN for your banking apps as you do for your phone. If thieves shoulder surf you, they're getting into everything."
Additional Protective Measures Recommended by the Expert
Mr Lewis outlined several other security enhancements that mobile users should implement without delay:
- Disable preview notifications: Turn off settings that display message content on your lock screen, particularly important for authentication codes sent via text
- Install tracking applications: Download Find My Device for Apple users or Smart Things for Android to locate stolen phones and suspend payment functions
- Utilise built-in theft protection: Enable iPhone's Stolen Device Protection or Android's Theft Protection Lock features
- Prevent shoulder surfing: Use headphones when entering PINs in public and keep phones securely stored rather than visibly in hand
The Growing Mobile Theft Crisis in the UK
This urgent advice follows concerning statistics about mobile phone theft across the country, particularly in urban areas. According to Metropolitan Police data, approximately 80,000 handsets were stolen in London alone during the previous year, representing a significant increase in this type of crime.
The situation has become so pressing that MPs on the Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee have recently appealed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, expressing frustration that technology companies are not doing enough to prevent stolen devices from connecting to cloud accounts when transported abroad.
Investigations have revealed that sophisticated smuggling networks are exporting stolen UK phones overseas, with one network allegedly shipping up to 40,000 devices to China within a single year according to Metropolitan Police allegations made in October.
Why Comprehensive Security Matters More Than Ever
Mr Lewis explained the dual risks facing phone owners: "Let's be really plain - there are two risks when your phone is nicked. One, you lose it, you have to claim on your insurance and get it back. And two, they can access your information."
He emphasised that while remote tracking and payment suspension features don't prevent stolen phones from being sold on the black market, they significantly reduce the financial incentive for thieves by limiting access to personal data and financial applications.
The consumer expert concluded with a stark warning: "We have to protect ourselves at the moment. These simple measures could stop people having their accounts completely cleared out by criminals who steal mobile devices."
