Martin Lewis is telling everyone with a smartphone to send this one text

Martin Lewis has issued a warning to all smartphone users, as he shared a list of tips to protect your device and data from potential thieves - and it's super useful

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Martin Lewis has issued an urgent warning to all smartphone owners, including those with Apple and Android devices.

The financial guru, who regularly shares his wisdom on This Morning, has offered crucial advice on how to protect your device from theft and scams. With phone thefts skyrocketing, Martin Lewis has outlined some simple steps everyone should take immediately to safeguard their device.

He advised his followers: "You can switch off payments. It doesn't stop your phone from being sold on, but it reduces the risk." He highlighted two main risks associated with phone theft.

The first risk is losing your phone and having to make a claim on your insurance to replace it; the second is that the thief may gain access to your personal information.

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The first risk is losing your phone and having to make a claim on your insurance to replace it; the second is that the thief may gain access to your personal information.

To make it harder for anyone to access your device, Martin recommends ensuring your biometrics are set up. This includes face and fingerprint scanning for both phone login and banking app login, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The money-saving expert stressed that it's "very important" to have this setting enabled on both. Martin urged people to "do this now", advising them to "type into your phone *#06#". Following this, a series of barcodes known as IMEI numbers should appear.

This is the ID you'll need if your phone is stolen or goes missing. You're advised to take a screenshot of your IMEI number and email it or send it to another device for safekeeping. It's crucial to know what your IMEI number is so you can provide it to the police when reporting your phone as stolen.

You'll see several different numbers displayed on your screen, but the one you need follows 'IMEI' or 'IMEI1'. Another handy tip is to switch off preview notifications. When a notification comes in, it won't show up on your lock screen; instead, it will simply inform you that a notification has arrived.

You should have a look through your security settings to see if there are other ways to bolster your phone's security. Regularly backing up your phone is key to safeguarding your data, including irreplaceable photos and videos. It also aids in getting you back up and running swiftly if your phone is nicked.

According to MoneySavingExpert.com, more than 200 mobile phones are pinched every single day in the UK, with thieves nicking £1,000s from victims by accessing their personal data and banking apps.

One method that's becoming increasingly popular is 'shoulder surfing'. This involves crooks lurking around pedestrians, watching out for the phone's Personal Identification Number (PIN) code before swiping it or snatching it from you when it's unlocked, giving the thief free rein over your phone.

While flogging a nicked mobile and its components might pocket thieves a few hundred quid, cracking into your phone and compromising your data can be far more profitable, potentially raking in thousands.

MSE warns: "An unlocked phone is a gateway to stealing your money. Your banking apps, personal information and emails are all potentially exposed, making it easier for a thief to commit identity and financial fraud."