Information on the Internet

[zander_zye]

I am sure just about everyone on this board knows this already, but you can find almost anything on the Internet. This includes people’s names, social security numbers, unlisted addresses and phone numbers, bank account numbers, etc. You can even find out who someone is even if they posted anonymously (through their IP address).

In 1984 while still with the SO, I took one of the best seminars for people that work in jails. It was called “Games that Inmates Play”. Contrary to popular belief, most inmates are not stupid. Actually, a growing number are quite cunning and intelligent. Groups of inmates have learned how to manipulate the system, even pitting officer against officer in order to perpetuate their goals (the class instructor seemed on the paranoid side when he gave the instruction, but after 3 years in a County Jail, I noticed some of the more cunning convicts play it up pretty good).

With this said, be careful what you post on the Internet. Just because you have a confidential address, doesn’t mean convicts or people that you arrest can’t find where you live. Something as simple as having your ham radio license call sign as your license plate is very easy to look up (arrl.org – see for yourself).

There is even some idiot up in the Northwest that seems to take some odd pleasure posting officers names and addressed on the Internet (I can see no reason to do this other than the guy is just a prick).

About 5 years ago I assisted my sister in trying to locate the father of her son. (He had disappeared shortly after my nephew was born). In 10 minutes, and for $25. I was able to get his address, his employers for the last 10 years, his social security number, as well as a basic credit history. This is scary stuff – if someone without the connections can get this (like myself) – then it is quite easy.

Stay safe – and stay informed.

ZZ

[Stump]

Bless your heart for the warning, zander. This goes hand in hand with another thing I learned elsewhere.
If you type your phone number in a google search box (JUST LIKE THIS -- 207-555-1212) it shows your name and address PLUS gives people a map directly to your house. LOL... VERY scary. I occassionally do a search of my last name, but those sites are in Italian, so I have no clue what they say. :D

[Orleander]

Yeah, there's a big thing about it in the news FINALLY, because even the Social Security numbers of top government officials like CIA Director George Tenet and Attorney General John Ashcroft were sold for $26.
Social Security #s for sale

[spyman]

Stump,

The info on google is just the same info that is in the telephone book except it takes the time to create a map. Nothing scary about it at all.

[Stump]

Actually, it is completely different. It is a REVERSE phone book. If you gave me your phone number, I would be able to look up where you live without even knowing your first or last name. That is not something the phone book can do.

[spyman]

Originally posted by Stump
Actually, it is completely different. It is a REVERSE phone book. If you gave me your phone number, I would be able to look up where you live without even knowing your first or last name. That is not something the phone book can do.

Reverse directory telephone books have been around for years, and can be found in most public libraries. This isn't anything new, and unless your number is published, neither Google or the reverse directory will have it.

[gdowkpc]

There was a thread I started a few months ago about how to 'hide' your residence from the public. I can't find it now to link it. TX had a lot of good info.

[spyman]

There are several ways to list or not list your telephone number.

Unlisted or non-pub.

Listed with full information.

Listed with first initial, last name and phone number, and no address.

The phone company will do any of these, it's up to you to decide.

Personally, I am now listed, and find nothing different than when I was a non-pub.

Whether you decide to list or not list will reflect your choice in the reverse telephone directories.

Again, reverse directories have been around for at least 30 years.

[Switchback]

As a side note, you know that with an unlisted number you will still get telemarketers. (I know, I registerd for the do not call list, too) The telemarketers buy blocks of number and do not care if they are listed.

What I like to do is list my number with full information. It's just not mine, that's all. :D The telpehone company will do that too.

So, when anyonce calls for Lance Masters (or whatever name you like to use), I know it's a telemarketer and I don't bother wasting my breath. Also, good luck finding me with my telephone number, then!

[txinvestigator1]

Telemarketers also use automated dialers that just simply dial every number between two numbers, ie

555-0001 thru 555-9999

[Darin]

Switchback, thanks for the info. I'll list my number to Mr. Dicky Peters.

[gdowkpc]

Harold Butts?

[PoliceRock83]

How about Mike Hawk?
Try saying that 10 times fast....:D :rolleyes: ;)

[Darin]

Mike Hunt

[sparrow803]

You can also do a reverse address look up - that IS scarey! Someone sees you walk into your house or apartment and bingo - in 20 sec. they have your phone number and name. I know from experience.