Got this in an email, it's really pretty scary!

[Barbde]

Importance: High

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. Everyone should be aware of this!

You can have your phone number removed or blocked. 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, 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. In order to test whether your phone number is mapped, go to: http://www.google.com/ Type your phone number in the search bar 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. Removal 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. If your number does come up if you hit map, it will show you a direct map to your house... Please forward on to friends and family.

[Perry]

Thanks, Barb.

Keep in mind that there are MANY places on the Internet where this information is available. Google just combined several Internet resources onto one page.

This feature has been available in Google for a few years.

Doesn't make it any less disturbing, though. Protect yourself!

[Kent]

I think if it comes down to that level of distrust you need to get an unlisted number; otherwise, once the number enters the public databases you really have no control over who owns it or how it is used. Just a simply google for "find person" will provide you many links for this type of information.

[swag]

It's worth reading snopes.com's take on this:

http://www.snopes.com/computer/internet/google.asp

[Laurenfra]

If you havve requested you # be made unlisted but it was public in the past it still may be there. On the up side I was not able to get results for anyone I knew's cell phone #