Many people arriving in Poland wonder what the text messages they receive on arrival in Krakow or Warsaw on their mobile phones are. While in Poland, they get text messages from the number +48 885 886 616 with the name Alert RCB. What is this? Is this normal or is it a phishing attempt? We look at whether you should be nervous about receiving an RCB Alert in Krakow. What is Alert RCB in Krakow?
What is an RCB Alert? Is it a scam?
Are text messages received from the +48 885 886 616 number a phishing attempt? Nowadays online criminals and scammers find many ways to trick users, but the RCB Alert in Poland and Krakow is not a scam. It is a normal message that mobile phone owners logging into mobile networks in Poland receive. What is it about?
RCB Alert in Poland is a warning system for the most varied threats that may arise. The alert relies on SMS messages.
Such messages may appear to warn of smog, storms, heavy rain, high temperatures, floods or fires or other dangerous phenomena, whether atmospheric or otherwise. It can inform about elections and referendums.
Messages are sent to mobile phone users who are in the vicinity of where the events are planned to occur. The smallest region in which the alerts appear is the county area.
RCB Alert is a system that has been in operation in Poland since December 2018. It is not a phishing attempt. Alerts sent to mobile phones reach subscribers of Polish as well as foreign numbers. In theory, it is not possible to block receiving alerts on your mobile phone. One can only turn off the sound of the alert.
Users of foreign phone numbers in Poland receive the content in English, and users of Polish phones in Polish. If you use a Polish SIM card you will receive the message in Polish.
In many cases the alerts of the RCB in Krakow and in Poland are sent in exaggerated form. Information is sent, but the phenomenon in question does not occur or is greatly exaggerated in the message sent and is in fact not dangerous. Many Poles find the alerts unnecessary and tiresome, but they cannot be turned off completely.
RCB Alert in Krakow
Alerts do not compromise data security, are sent automatically and do not collect users’ personal data. It is a public service operating in Poland in Krakow and all other cities.
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About the Author: Hi, It's Daily Krakow written by a lifelong Krakow resident with 40 years of experience exploring this beautiful city. I’m not part of the tourism industry and I dont make money on tourists that's why I can be honest. My deep local knowledge allows me to share honest, practical tips to help you avoid tourist traps and discover the real Krakow. Whether it’s hidden gems, local customs, or practical advice, I’m here to make your visit unforgettable.
