Martin Lewis Issues Urgent Warning to All Smartphone Users
Personal finance expert Martin Lewis has delivered a critical alert to iPhone and Android mobile users, urging them to implement several straightforward security measures or face severe risks. During a recent segment on ITV's This Morning, the money-saving guru emphasised that failing to properly configure devices could leave individuals highly vulnerable if their phones are lost or stolen.
Growing Threat of Mobile Phone Theft
Mobile phone theft has escalated into a significant problem in recent years, with London alone witnessing approximately 80,000 devices stolen last year, according to Metropolitan Police data. Many of these stolen phones are smuggled overseas, with one recent smuggling ring reportedly sending up to 40,000 stolen UK devices to China over the past year.
This alarming trend has prompted MPs on the Commons Science, Innovation and Technology Committee to appeal to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, arguing that technology companies are not doing enough to combat mobile theft. The committee has specifically raised concerns about the lack of measures to prevent stolen phones from accessing cloud accounts from abroad.
Essential Security Steps Recommended by Martin Lewis
Martin Lewis outlined a series of practical actions that every smartphone owner should take immediately to protect their devices and personal information.
First, he advised downloading specific tracking applications: "Everybody who's got a smartphone, if you're Apple, use Find My Device; if you're Android, use the Smart Things app. These allow you to locate your phone and switch off payments. While this doesn't prevent your phone from being sold on, it significantly reduces the risk."
Lewis explained the two primary risks when a phone is stolen: "One, you lose it and have to claim on insurance to get it back, and two, thieves can access your sensitive information."
Critical Five-Digit Code and IMEI Number Protection
The finance expert then highlighted a particularly crucial step that everyone should perform without delay. "Next one, everybody do this now," Lewis urged. "Type into your phone *#06#. You'll see what looks like a series of barcodes appear—those are your IMEI numbers. Screen grab those results and email them to yourself. This provides the identification you'll need if your phone is stolen to help recognise and recover your device."
This five-digit code, entered through the phone's dialler, reveals the International Mobile Equipment Identity number, a unique identifier for mobile devices that can be crucial for tracking and blocking stolen phones.
Additional Security Measures to Implement
Lewis stressed the importance of activating biometric security features: "Make sure your biometrics are set up—your face or fingerprint ID—both on your phone and your banking applications. This is very important; don't just set it up on one, ensure it's enabled on both."
He also advised disabling preview notifications: "Turn off your preview notifications. When you pay for something and receive a text code, that's fine when your phone is unlocked. But if you have preview notifications enabled, that code will appear on your lock screen. If someone steals your phone, they could see that code. By turning off preview notifications, you'll still know you have a message, but the code won't be displayed."
Final Recommendations for Enhanced Protection
Lewis concluded with broader security advice: "Go onto your phone, examine the security settings specific to your device, and explore what options are available. None of these measures will completely stop your phone from being stolen, but they will substantially reduce your risk of being defrauded if it is taken. This approach protects you effectively."
For the latest money-saving tips, shopping updates, and consumer news, visit the Everything Money website. Implementing these security steps can provide crucial protection in an era of increasing mobile theft and digital fraud.
