Consumer finance expert Martin Lewis has urged millions of mobile phone users to take a simple screenshot that could become critical if their device is stolen.

The warning comes amid growing concern over phone thefts and digital fraud, with criminals increasingly targeting banking apps, passwords and personal data stored on smartphones.

The Five-Second Code That Could Save You

In advice shared through the MoneySavingExpert newsletter, Lewis told users to immediately retrieve and save their phone’s IMEI number — the unique identification code linked to every mobile device.

The process is simple. Users only need to dial *#06# on their handset. A screen containing the IMEI number will then appear.

Lewis urged people to screenshot the code and store it somewhere separate from the phone itself, such as email or cloud storage.

Why Thieves Fear The IMEI Number

The IMEI acts like a digital fingerprint for a mobile device. If a phone is stolen, networks and police can use the code to identify or block the handset, making it harder for criminals to resell or reuse it.

Speaking previously on This Morning, Lewis warned: “Everybody do this now.”

He added that while the steps will not stop a theft happening, they can significantly reduce the risk of financial fraud after a device disappears.

Fraud Risk Growing Faster Than Phone Theft

Lewis also urged users to tighten security settings immediately. He advised enabling facial recognition or fingerprint access on both phones and banking apps, warning that weak security leaves users dangerously exposed once criminals gain physical access.

Another key recommendation was disabling preview notifications on lock screens. Fraudsters can exploit visible text messages and banking alerts to intercept login codes and reset passwords within minutes.

Networks Sound Alarm Too

Mobile providers are echoing the warning. O2 says the IMEI is essential for registering and blocking stolen phones, helping protect both devices and customer accounts.

As phone thefts become increasingly tied to organised fraud, the message from consumer experts is blunt: one screenshot now could save months of financial chaos later.

Martin Lewis urges everyone with mobile phone to take important screenshot

Good info @bannork . Thanks

Interesting as on my phone with an AIS sim that comes up with "Connection problem or invalid MMI code".......?

However the code is also available in Settings - About Phone - IMEI so no issue.

I can't see it being much use though, won't get the phone back, would the network or police even bother to block it etc. You can imagine phoning them and only feigning interest

One useful tip for Iphone users (sorry, haven't used Android phones in > 10 years so not sure whether something similar is possible) is to ensure that the control center is not available whilst the phone is locked so if somebody does steal your phone they can't put it into Airline mode (They can always switch it off but when it comes back on it will connect back to your mobile network).

Edited May 29May 29 by SamSpade

14 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

I can't see it being much use though, won't get the phone back, would the network or police even bother to block it etc. You can imagine phoning them and only feigning interest

You can do all sorts of things to your lost IPhone (including erase all data either immediately or when it comes back on line) using the "Find My Phone" app.

Just now, SamSpade said:

You can do all sorts of things to your lost IPhone (including erase all data either immediately or when it comes back on line) using the "Find My Phone" app.

You can do that on android, but doesn't get the phone back, thieves usually have to do a factory reset anyway so data will be gone. Any memory card is the risk

would one simple deterrent not be to put the expensive "i" phone or whatever one has into a case emblazoned with logo from vivo or oppo or one of the cheaper less desirable brands