Financial expert Martin Lewis has issued urgent advice for mobile phone users to safeguard their devices by retrieving and storing their IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number. The recommendation comes amid a 40% surge in phone thefts in London and nationwide, with thieves increasingly targeting devices for financial data access1. Lewis emphasized the steps during his ITV Money Show Live broadcast on March 11, 2025, urging users to dial *#06# to display the 15-digit IMEI, screenshot it, and email it to themselves as a backup2.
Why the IMEI Number Matters
The IMEI number is a unique identifier for mobile devices, critical for tracking and blocking stolen phones. Law enforcement can use it to blacklist a device, rendering it unusable on most networks. Lewis highlighted that thieves often target phones to access banking apps, two-factor authentication (2FA) codes, and personal data3. By securing the IMEI, users can expedite recovery efforts and reduce the risk of financial fraud.
Additional Security Measures
Beyond the IMEI, Lewis outlined four key steps to mitigate theft risks:
- Enable Remote Tracking: Use platform-specific tools like Find My Device (Google), SmartThings (Samsung), or Find My (Apple) to locate or wipe a stolen phone.
- Disable Lock Screen Notifications: Prevent thieves from viewing 2FA codes by turning off notification previews in settings.
- Activate Biometric Locks: Secure devices and apps with fingerprint or facial recognition.
- Suspend Payments Immediately: Contact banks or providers to freeze accounts if a phone is stolen.
Technical Relevance for Security Professionals
For security teams, the IMEI serves as a forensic tool to trace stolen devices across networks. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions can log IMEIs to detect unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, disabling lock screen notifications aligns with broader security policies to limit data exposure. Organizations should consider integrating IMEI logging into incident response protocols for employee devices, especially in high-risk regions.
Conclusion
Lewis’s advice underscores the growing intersection of physical theft and digital security. Proactive measures like IMEI recording and remote tracking can significantly reduce post-theft damage. For enterprises, enforcing these practices as part of mobile security policies is advisable, particularly for staff handling sensitive data.
References
- “Martin Lewis urges smartphone users to dial five-digit code to protect against theft,” Express.co.uk, 2025.
- “Martin Lewis warns all phone users over five-digit code that could save you from thieves,” Birmingham Live, 2025.
- “Martin Lewis shares urgent phone tip to protect against rising thefts,” Daily Record, 2025.
