Google & phone numbers, SCARY!!!

I received this email this morning and want to pass it on to the ActiveRain community.  As Business professionals, we have to do self promotion which entails getting our contact info out to the consumer.  It is just the nature of business especially with real estate, nothing we can do about it.  But just want to warn everyone, DO NOT GIVE OUT YOUR LAND-LINE # TO YOUR HOME OR HOME OFFICE!!!

Read this and try it out!

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: 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.

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 .

Please share this information with friends & family!!