Security Alert - Phone numbers on Google

[PalmBeach]

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.
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 Google map and directions straight to our house. A little scary for some of us.
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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.

 

[Focus]

Well mine is'nt listed but then again I have moved 3 times in the last year and only have a cellphone! lol

Dude, forget the phone number..if someone wants to "find you" they will find you. Trust me.

 

[dolansco]

Well mine is'nt listed but then again I have moved 3 times in the last year and only have a cellphone! lol

Dude, forget the phone number..if someone wants to "find you" they will find you. Trust me.

Chris , i think you missed the point . You are correct in what you say , ie. that you can be found ... but regards scum whom prey on children that they "meet" on Bebo/myspace etc it could be used as an easy way of finding victims . And most parents do care , or at least should .

But it was inevitable that this sort of service would be provided by someone .. Its not new , just its easier now.

 

[Focus]

Well of course..but then again the "children" should'nt be giving out their home phone numbers on myspace..you have been able to do this for as long as I can recall online using sites like anywho.com, etc...for free, but it is interesting that google is simplifying the whole thing...our privacy and "security" is nearly non-existent in todays high tech world..which is exactly why you need a home security system (w/motion activated cameras), a big dog, nosy neighbors, a big handgun, & God on your side...

for the record - I do not see where the poster meant only "children" as it seemed more geared towards "us", i.e. adults..but your point is a valid one

 

[dolansco]

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.

that bit ..

... but you have it in a nutshell , Google have just simplified it , thats all

 

[Focus]

Yes, it's definitely nothing new..and parents should be teaching their kids not to give out home phone numbers..thats what cellphones are for...then again, another train of thought is if the kid is dumb enough to give some old dude on myspace their home phone # then there is not much you can do to help the kid other than locking them up in cage and taking away the computer & Internet.

 

[dolansco]

put them to work I say ..

 

[Focus]

teach them how to shoot :laser:

 

[Jimpapa]

this google sevice is it only for the US ?