Vikings, while the holidays are in full swing, don't forget about safety and common sense. What should you remember and what's worth knowing to collect only positive memories during these two months of summer freedom? Read on.
We've finally got the long-awaited holidays! And if it's holidays, it means sun, beach, and complete relaxation. Unfortunately, in such a carefree mood, we often forget not only about our duties and troubles, but also about our own safety. After all, as the old, wise proverb says – trouble never sleeps. And it's not just about broken bones or sunburn. Danger also lurks in your phones. To ensure you return from these holidays safe and sound, as well as rested and relaxed, we've gathered some practical information for you that's worth getting acquainted with before you get carried away by the holiday atmosphere.
1. Remember emergency numbers
Across the entire European Union, there is one nationwide, universal, 24/7, and free emergency number. By calling 112, we can report life- and health-threatening situations, accidents, disappearances, and thefts. Of course, within our country, the existing emergency numbers are still valid – 999 (Police), 998 (Fire Department), 997 (Ambulance Service), as well as 984 (River Rescue) or 985 (Mountain Rescue).
2. Take care of your online safety
The Internet is primarily a source of information, knowledge, and entertainment, but also of threats that we are often unaware of. When using the network to make acquaintances, remember that we can never be sure who is actually "on the other side of the screen." Also, respect your privacy, take care to ensure that the information and photos you publish are well-considered and reach selected recipients. And quite on a side note, we love the internet, but holidays are a great time to take a break from it for a few days!
3. Watch out for Premium Rate Services
Premium Rate Services, i.e., services with increased payment, are often used by organizers of various lotteries, contests, and plebiscites, owners of news and weather services, or all kinds of gaming or horoscope platforms. Of course, information about the price of such an SMS or call is always not very visible. And holidays are the perfect time to be flooded with such advertisements, contests, or subscriptions. Pay special attention to what messages and calls you respond to, and what ads or pop-ups you click on online. Also, monitor your phone bill to react as quickly as possible to any paid subscriptions that might be activated without your knowledge.
4. Call back wisely
Here we remind you of our previous warnings about calls from exotic countries. The scammers' method of operation in this case is very simple. You receive a call, often just a single ring, from countries like the Republic of the Congo or Ivory Coast, whose area codes deceptively resemble domestic area codes for Warsaw or Płock. Unaware of the danger, you call them back, and when ending the call, you don't press the appropriate icon on your phone. Such calls can unfortunately cost you dearly.
5. Don't be afraid to use roaming
Finally, we have some pleasant news for you. Remember that the prices of services within roaming have fallen? In our previous post, you can read about the details. Therefore, don't be afraid to call and text your loved ones from your holiday travels abroad!
You can find more useful information and details on the website of the Office of Electronic Communications, which is participating in the information campaign entitled "Before holidays – what's worth knowing?" carried out jointly by public institutions.
And now, have fun! But wisely!
