Overview
- Lewis told users to dial *#06# to display their phone’s IMEI, then screenshot and email it so it can be provided if the device is stolen.
- He advised turning off preview notifications so one-time passcodes do not appear on the lock screen where thieves could see them.
- He urged enabling face or fingerprint ID on phones and within banking apps to add a layer of protection against account access.
- He recommended using device‑tracking services such as Apple’s Find My, Samsung’s SmartThings or Google’s Find My Device and suspending payments if a phone goes missing.
- He noted thefts are up 40% in London, MPs have pressed the Home Secretary over tech firms’ role, and the Met has highlighted large‑scale smuggling of stolen handsets to overseas markets.