The end of the private line . . .

This recently came to me via an email.

Google has implemented a new feature which enables you to type a telephone # into the search bar, hit enter, and you will be given the person's name and address. If you then hit MapQuest, 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 on the map and sure enough, Mapquest gave complete directions to my front door.

Want to test your number is mapped? Go to: GOOGLE 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.

When ordering business cards, I made sure to remove my address – no need to give out information that folks don’t need. However, my phone number is certainly listed on those cards and those cards have been distributed many, many places. As of now, my phone number is blocked from GOOGLE.

If any of you have heard of other cross-reference sources on phone numbers, please share.