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Protect Your Children & Privacy
July 27, 2007

To start off, this entry is not a green topic but as parent, I wanted to make other parents aware of this potential danger. This week, I read about a new feature on Google Search - reverse telephone search. Basically, all a stranger needs to know is your phone number, type it into the Google search bar and voila, appears the owner’s first and last name, home address and of course, map the address for convenience.

Of course this feature is meant to increase connectivity and convenience for innocent uses but thinking like a protective parent, this is an easy tool for anyone to figure out my child’s last name, our neighborhood and scope out our house. Perhaps I worry more now because my daughter is old enough to remember her phone number. We’ve had lots of talks about strangers and she’s well-watched when we are out. Still, I am not with her 24/7 and the bad guys are getting trickier. So if you have similar concerns, here’s how to check for your information and more important, how to unlist your information.

–Go to Google.
–Type in your area code and phone number (either 111 555 1234 or 111-555-1234) into the search bar. If no results show up, that’s great. If you are in their database, you should see your name, number and full address show up.
–To unlist, click on your information and you should see “Request to have your name removed from the list”. Click on the link and fill out the form and click submit.
–Check back after 48 hours to make sure you have been unlisted.

Although new to Google, free reverse phone search is not a new feature for online phone directories. You should reverse phone search (or phone number search) on directories like White Pages, 411.com and Switchboard. These directories have an unlist information option at the bottom of your search result page (if your information is listed). Don’t assume that because you elected the Do Not List option when you signed up for service long ago that you are unlisted. We had chosen that option and somehow our number was still listed in the White Pages, until I unlisted us again.

Unfortunately, it seems impossible to ensure complete privacy from these phone search sites but taking these steps at least makes it harder for those with nasty intentions. And be sure to discuss safety with your children. The Polly Klass Foundation has some good tips and a free handbook.

CindyC at Organicpicks

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