I recieved this in email

**DrKym** · 10-25-2007, 02:00 PM

and couldn't believe it so I tried my own phone numbers, it is true

Please be aware it is a serious concern to all of us parents!Aunt Uncles Grandparents etc. What if a sitter gives out the number?

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 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: Go ogle ( 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).

You may know someone else who needs to know this.

It takes Sex Offenders right to your front door!!

Please share this information with friends and family

**Taz_Zoee** · 10-25-2007, 03:43 PM

Interesting. I put in my number and nothing. I put in Bruce's (we have separate lines) and all of the websites he's ever had come up. Nothing with a map direction on it though. But it's still kinda scary.
Thanks for the heads up Kym.

**Craftlady** · 10-25-2007, 03:50 PM

No maps/directions for our phone number. However, it does come up with our name and address and the article for hubby's recently published poetry book (press release we did for the book).

**Karen** · 10-25-2007, 04:13 PM

That has been true for a long time - Google is a compendium of public inforation. Think about it ... if your name and address are in the phone book, it's not hard, even without the Internet, for someone to find you. Most children's names, however, are not, so parents need to be careful about what information kids give out on and offline.

**gemini9961** · 10-25-2007, 04:17 PM

My phone number did come up, requested it to be removed. Thanks for the heads up.

**DrKym** · 10-25-2007, 04:19 PM

Originally Posted by Karen

That has been true for a long time - Google is a compendium of public inforation. Think about it ... if your name and address are in the phone book, it's not hard, even without the Internet, for someone to find you. Most children's names, however, are not, so parents need to be careful about what information kids give out on and offline.

Mine is non published and it still came up!

**Karen** · 10-25-2007, 04:24 PM

Has it always been nonpublished? I don't know from which years they started the database or how frequently it is updated...

**jennielynn1970** · 10-25-2007, 04:25 PM

I remember doing this a while ago. The only thing that comes up for my phone number is for my shelter cats adoption pages on PetFinder.

**Ginger's Mom** · 10-25-2007, 04:28 PM

Here is another one for you. http://www.zabasearch.com/ . I sent an e-mail about a year ago asking to be taken off and I am still on there. Although it doesn't connect to a map, it is easy enough to goggle map the address it gives.

**DrKym** · 10-25-2007, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by Karen

Has it always been nonpublished? I don't know from which years they started the database or how frequently it is updated...

yes, its listed through 411 but is NOT published in the book.

**Edwina's Secretary** · 10-25-2007, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by Karen

That has been true for a long time - Google is a compendium of public inforation. Think about it ... if your name and address are in the phone book, it's not hard, even without the Internet, for someone to find you. Most children's names, however, are not, so parents need to be careful about what information kids give out on and offline.

Very true. You can also put a number in reverse directory and...if it is published.... you will get a name, address and map. You can also call a phone number for reverse directory....Heck...you can put a last name and state in White Pages and get an address, phone number and map.

**IRescue452** · 10-25-2007, 04:41 PM

Reverse phone number searches have been around for a long time. In fact, for a subscription cost, you can do cell phone numbers, background checks, all sorts of stuff. You can get a reverse phone number from services available on the phone rather than the internet as well. This has been available before the internet. The internet might be faster, but it in no way makes you less safe.

Other than that...

1) most criminals of the predatory sort know their victim
2) if I wanted a map to a stranger's house, I'd look in the phone book
3) if I were just picking out a house with a kid or a young girl, I'd pick a block and sit and watch after school

**Dorothy39** · 10-25-2007, 05:54 PM

I've known for some time about this special feature that Google now provides ,(images and the like) but I've never typed in my phone number to see what pops up~ Hum~ ....... I'll have to go there and check this out.

**DrKym** · 10-25-2007, 06:44 PM

I was aware you can do reverse look ups on yellowpages.com or whitepages.com I did not know that maps were provided, as is prudent I have removed my info from all that I could and will be calling Charter in the AM to remove ANY info that isnt allowed by calling 411.............