Steve Loynd just posted a very interesting perspective on what I thought was a good tool. I've used the Reverse Directory on Google and others to locate the phone numbers or addresses of people who respond to leads, or who call in.
But Steve brought up the fact that this tool can also be used by predators against our kids if they give the number out. Why they even get a nice map with directions.
In Kindergarden last year our son was taught to memorize his address and phone number in case he got lost. I've also seen many sports team directories with kids name, parents name address and phone number. Many will leave the address off, but do have a phone number.
I followed Steve's advice and clicked on my phone number in Google and opted both my wife and I out. I then went to all of the other sites Google listed and easily opted out of all but one. One required me to send a copy of my Drivers License (face and BDate blacked out) and up to 4 weeks to get it removed. Their stance is that it is public records...
I checked both my wife and my cell phone numbers and they did not trck back to names or addresses.
Looks like we should be teaching our kids our cell phone numbers...
Via
Steve Loynd, Alpine Lakes Real Estate Inc., Loon Mt, NH.:
Google has implemented a new feature which enables you to type a telephone number into the search bar, 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 did come up, I clicked map and Mapquest gave directions directly to the house. Quite scary. Please look up your own number.
In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: www.google.com
Type your phone number in the search bar (i.e. 555-555-1212) and hit enter.
If you want to B L O C K Google from divulging your private information, simply click on your telephone number and then click on the Removal Form. Removal takes 48 hours. Please share this information with friends and family.
Larry Morris is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist with American Nationwide Mortgage Company in Newberg, Oregon. He specializes in USDA Guaranteed Rural Home Loans, FHA Purchase and Refinance, FHA 203k Rehab loans, Sect 184 Native American loans, Hobby Farm loans and conforming purchase and refinances in the states of Oregon and Washington.
He can be reached at 503-421-0096, or larry@PDX-Mortgage.com.
www.PDX-Mortgage.com
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Hi Larry: Great reblog - I have been doing this and it works very well!
:)