FYI - your phone # (US only)

[emchy]

I just got this in an email from a pal.
It's legit - though the info provided isn't more than what is in the phone book if you're publicly listed. That said - it is a bit creepy to have the number linked to a map to your house.

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, you will get a map to the person's house!  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 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.

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

Comments

[lnghnds.livejournal.com]

Reverse phone number lookups have been on-line for many years.

[cindymonkey.livejournal.com]

it's true - but never so easy as on the google.

[randomposting.livejournal.com]

Thanks for posting this. I appreciate it. I put in the request to have my address removed and will share this on my LJ as well.

[michelchagall.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[alibi-shop.livejournal.com]

"the info provided isn't more than what is in the phone book if you're publicly listed"

That's not true, unless someone is willing to read through the entire phone book just to find your phone number. Maybe what you meant is that it's no more information than what's in the phone book if you're listed and someone already knows your name.

[psybelle.livejournal.com]

Point, that...

All "they" have is my zipcode, I'm going to leave it at that... But thank you for posting the info!

[jactitation.livejournal.com]

When I try, it only gives what's in the phone book: my name. It also says San Francisco, but, duh, it's a 415 number. And the map points to Civic Center. Which, btw, is not where I live.

I tried the # of someone I know who's unlisted in the book and wouldn't have the faintest idea how to Google or Google Remove, and his comes up as no information given.

So it might not quite be that sinister.