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 Map Quest, 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 lives. 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 map quest and directions straight to our house. I did fill out the removal form f or myself, and encourage all of you to do the same.
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.
In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: Google
(sample 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.
PS: I tried a number in Canada and it didn't work.
Posts: 5873 | Location: u.s.a, south Florida | Registered: 06-03-02
PS: I tried a number in Canada and it didn't work.
Yikes! You only had to ask me for the info, Mozart Seriously though, Canada doesn't work. I tried it too. There are so many ways now for people to get our personal information anyway.
These are phone book numbers and only shows numbers that's listed in your local phone book. I've always had an unlisted phone number, and mine doesn't show.
Posts: 6616 | Location: Land of Lincoln, USA | Registered: 07-04-02
If you are trying to block your number, you are too late. Once a year is when they publish the numbers. A few years ago I had a phone and decided to not pay to get it unlisted. I changed my mind and called them. It just so happened that in the time that I requested the non published listing, they had sent in their numbers. You can't change what is already in the phone book. I haven't had a land line phone in a few years. I have done searches which show my old address.
The site isn't always updated if you change your number or move, but it sure is close. You can't get your information off that! If anyone knows how, please let me know.
Posts: 5268 | Location: The Motor City | Registered: 06-03-02
Well, I feel safe and secure. 98 listings for my name and not only are none of them me but none of them are even close. Even Zabbasearch can't find me.
Posts: 3476 | Location: Colfax, WA--the home of the world's largest chain-saw sculpture!! | Registered: 06-03-02
Well, you have to know the persons' phone number for it to work. It doesn't seem to work the other way (typing a name to get a number). If they have my number, chances are they already know my name anyway. It's a little creepy, but nothing you can't find in a phone book. Of course, if a person wanted to become a serial killer and kill everyone with the same last four digits in their phone number, this might be useful.
Posts: 4394 | Location: Rochester, NY, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
Originally posted by frankvan: It found me also. Now I don't know whether it's a good thing or whether I ought to block it???????? Is there a down side?
Well I dunno. This is what used to be known as a reverse directory. The only public reverse directory I've ever seen was printed by the small, local, independent phone company that served the semi-rural area where we used to live.
Google doesn't recognize my cell phone number, but it knows my fax line, which is also published in the white pages (why? Because the phone company will charge extra if I DON'T publish it. ) Evidently Google is looking up numbers that are published in the white pages, so I don't think it's illegal or a violation of civil liberties. In effect they've assembled a gigantic universal reverse directory. Gotta love technology.
So why the fuss? I find it unsettling that anybody who happens upon my ten-digit number (suppose I misdial on a long-distance call) can -- literally in seconds -- see a name, address, and map pinpointing the location of the number. Another bit of our privacy eroded into the relentlessly encroaching sea of information. (Today I'm a pessimist. )
Posts: 1905 | Location: U.S. | Registered: 06-03-02
There are countless (Well, maybe not "countless" but too damn many) reverse look-up web sites; many will give you further information for a fee. Got a criminal record? That information is legally public information. Marriage license? Divorced? Again, a matter of public record. Lost a lawsuit? Same deal. Was the FBI or the DEA keeping an eye on you? All it takes if someone filing a FOI, a Freedom of Information claim, and your file may be sent to them.
Posts: 16662 | Location: Lincoln Place, Granite City, IL, USA | Registered: 06-03-02
Originally posted by Jelp01: Well, I feel safe and secure. 98 listings for my name and not only are none of them me but none of them are even close. Even Zabbasearch can't find me.
There are 98 people out there named Jelp01? That is incredible!
Posts: 7623 | Location: in the backwoods of North Carolina | Registered: 06-07-02
Is there a down side?
) Evidently Google is looking up numbers that are published in the white pages, so I don't think it's illegal or a violation of civil liberties. In effect they've assembled a gigantic universal reverse directory. Gotta love technology. 
)
