This is VERY VERY disturbing!!!!

[GoofieRuthie]

I just received this email and checked it out for myself. Sure enough, it is true!!! I love Google, but this really bothers me. Please take a moment to check it out if it bothers you too.


I checked this out myself and it is for real.
please check this out for your safety. This is not a joke!!!!!
I put in many numbers and found the address and driving directions.

THIS IS FOR YOUR INFORMATION AND ACTION IF NEEDED. PLEASE CHECK IT OUT ASAP.

NEW GOOGLE FEATURE:
There is a new feature that makes it possible to TYPE A TELEPHONE NUMBER into Google's search bar, click the search button, and have a NAME, ADDRESS and link to a MapQuest page returned as a result.

Any person wishing to discover the physical location of a phone number, be it a home or business address, could use this feature to get the name and street address for the number, and receive explicit directions on how to get there from anywhere in the country.

One positive use of this feature could be to determine the location of, say, a party for whom you may only have a telephone number or directions to a business you want to visit.

On a negative note, this feature could also be used by a stalker, scam artist, etc., TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU LIVE.

Google has made available AN OPTION TO REMOVE YOUR TELEPHONE NUMBER from the database that is linked to the mapping feature.

You will first need to check if your number is listed in this manner by attempting a search - entering your full telephone number separated by dashes (eg., 555-555-1212). If the number appears in the mapping database, an icon resembling a telephone will appear next to the first or second entry on the "results page." Clicking on this icon will take you to a page containing a description of the service, and a LINK TO REQUEST THAT YOUR NUMBER BE REMOVED FROM THE DATA BASE.

Many people are unaware of this danger. Personally, I wouldn't want any "Tom, Dick, or Harry" having a direct map (and the map IS perfect) to my house just by having my phone number, especially since Caller ID makes any unblocked number available to anyone you call. Also, calls made to "800" numbers reveal your number whether it is blocked or not.

Go to www.google.com then type in your phone number. See how accurate the map is.... linked to your phone number.

 

[Serena]

Mine was close, but wrong.

 

[Disney845]

I guess I don't understand why you are so upset over this. This isn't brand spanking new technology. Ever heard of a reverse telephone directory?? Or for that matter I could randomly pick a phone number in the phone book and get the person's name and address and then go to mapquest on my own to get driving directions. I don't see how this will make it any more of a chance for you to become a victim of a stalker or a scam artist then you already are!!

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Yep, it gives all our info. I didn't know Google did this too. I did know that our local phone company does it and we pay to have our phone and address unlisted. That's so nice.

 

[dandave]

I use:
http://www.anywho.com/rl.html

I didn't know that you could choose to be deleted.

 

[UncleKyle]

Disney845, I totally agree with ya. There are at least 5 websites I can think of that had this before Google, I've done reverse look up before. I'm happy that my only phone is a cell phone, that way no one can find me. But I went ahead and removed some family members from the list.

 

[JasonLyons]

it told my address, height, weight and favorite color

 

[GoofieRuthie]

your address when you gave a phone number by calling the operator or 411. Yes I know that it is very possible now. I just didn't know that Google made it so easy. I guess it bothered me so much because I figured it was like every other "this is TRUE, don't delete it" email that I get and for once this one was for real. I did go opt to have my info removed, but I also know that it is just as easy to get the same info elsewhere. I just thought others might not know about it and want it to be removed and not offered on a silver platter. BTW, I took out most of the email. The person that wrote the original emal was REALLY freaked out about it, lol.

 

[PandyPaws]

"Your search - 203-XXX-XXXX - did not match any documents. "

I guess it pays to be unlisted/unpublished

 

[BobBrazeal]

Worked perfectly.

Well, almost perfectly.

The only number that worked was my old number in Phoenix but it did get the right address and the map was very close. Too bad that phone number was disconnected over a year ago, the same time I sold the house and moved from that address.

 

[Chuck S]

Big deal, similar software has been available for years at a nominal fee..the only difference is Google is free.

 

[shep]

I took my name off the list....It was exact...

 

[caitycaity]

i hate to break it to you guys, but there are other free websites that list phone numbers that are in the phone book by address.

removing your phone number from google really is pointless if you have a phone number listed in the phone book.

 

[Claudia1]

About 3 years ago, my DD wandered into a teen chat room with a "friend". She had been on a Christian site and I didn't realize that she had left an approved site until the phone rang. It was an adult male caller, asking for my DD's screen name and our location in our town (by name)!!!!!

I insisted that there was no "XXXXX" here and ran to the computer. It seems her "friend" had IM'd another "girl" in the chat room with our phone number! She thought it would be funny!

We immediately imposed sanctions, told her that she was never to use that screen name again, etc.....

My point is this: even back then we knew that a phone number could lead anybody to our front door.

Going completely celullar may be the only safe option these days. Yes, GoofieRuthie, you are right..... very scary stuff!

 

[Mishetta]

As my DH pointed out, we're listed in the phone book, so in our case, it really doesn't matter.

Thanks for the information though. I'm sure it will help many people.

 

[vald1977]

Well, it kind of worked. The number came up as under my maiden name and it was my previous address. The map was right on to the old address though. Thanks for the warning.

 

[wvjules]

Nothing came up for me. And I'm listed in the phone book. I wouldn't be too worried if it did though.

 

[dizneenut]

My number is unlisted, so nothing came up for me.

 

[karebear1]

The othe way to stop it is by moving! (I know- not exactly cost effefctive!!) I put my number in and the person that use to have my numbers name came up- and his address too! I guess I'm safe for now!

 

[nativetxn]

The polk directory does the same thing. I'm not too worried.