I had this emailed to me this morning by my step-mother - usually I pass these emails I get from family off as the usual stupid emails that people send out, but this one need to be read & looked into by everyone - this is not some sort of scam!
*****
Google has implemented a new feature wherein you can type someone's
telephone number into the search bar and hit enter and then you will be
given a map to their house.
Before forwarding this, I tested it by typing my telephone number in
google.com. My phone number came up, and when I clicked on the MapQuest
link, it actually mapped out where I live. Quite scary. Please look up
your own number. Read below for details.
Think about it--if a child, single person, ANYONE gives out his/her
phone number, someone can actually now look it up to find out where
he/she lives. The safety issues are obvious, and alarming..
This is not a hoax; Mapquest will put a star on your house on your
street. In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to:
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 the telephone icon next to your phone number. I removed
my name, but it takes 48-hours. If you are unlisted in the phone book,
you might not be in there, but it is a good idea just to check.
Please forward on to friends and family.
*****
My home number was in there with a link to directions to my house - very uncool.