HOW TO: Limit your personal data in online directories
Internet phone books, people-finding services, and other online directories make it almost impossible 
to keep your personal contact information entirely off the Web. It’s fairly easy for anyone to find your name, phone number, home address, or e-mail address—for business or social purposes, advertising or marketing, or even criminal intent.Here are a few ways to help control the amount of personal information you give to the world.
Before you post any information online:
• Be choosy. From the start, limit the amount of personal information you give to a site. Only share your primary e-mail address with people you know, and avoid listing any information in large Internet directories.
• When you shop online, know your sources. Vendors who sell deeply discounted electronics tend to be different than those who sell knitting supplies, for example. How to limit your personal data in online directories