I recieved this in my email today and thought it was rather alarming. So I am passing it on for anyone who doesn't already know about it and wants to make sure your private info is not public.
Google Phone #'s
This may or may not concern you. Just an FYI in case you didn't know!
Google has implemented a new feature which enables you to type a
telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and you will be given
the person's name and address. If you then hit MapQuest, you will get a
map to the person's house. Everyone should be aware of this! It's a
nationwide reverse telephone book.
If a child gives out his/her phone number, someone can now look it up
to find out where he/she l ives. The safety issues are obvious and
alarming.
Note that you can have your phone number removed or blocked. I tried
my number and it came up along with the mapquest and directions straight
to our house. I did fill out the removal form for myself and encourage
all of you to do the same. Quite scary.
Please look up your own number.
In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: google (http://www.google.com/)
Type your phone number in the search bar (i.e. 555-555-1212) and hit enter.
If you want to BLOCK Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and then click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48-hours.
Check your own number and although this may not apply to you if you have an unlisted number or cell phone as primary contact, but you may know someone who needs to know this.
Please share this information with friends and family.
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Comments: 59
I am on my way. Thanks!
All they gonna get outta me is a bunch of crying and gagging anyway.
I mean, did the map pinpoint your location?
What disturbs me is the two times I recall -- trying to maintain anonymity -- when certain individuals lost their lives because their addresses were located. Can't/WON'T say HOW I know, but my knowledge is firsthand not hearsay. This is scary stuff.
I know Google is a Bay Area company and not the only one doing this, but is this really safe?
I tried mine and it came back with
no results found,
but then I have VONAGE which
is VOIP and that may be why.
But thanks for the information.
If they don't remove I'm gonna find out a way to do something about it.
WOW! I did not know this.
This is so important to my family and my own's safety.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Truly,
it's a matter of common sense though... why would you give out a phone number to just anyone? and for all practicality and purpose this option has been available since the beginning of phones, you can call and ask for the address of the number and they give it unless you have it marked private