[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 26 (Wednesday, February 8, 2006)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 6333-6334]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 06-1209]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 26 / Wednesday, February 8, 2006 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 6333]]

                Proclamation 7979 of February 3, 2006

                
National Consumer Protection Week, 2006

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                During National Consumer Protection Week, we highlight 
                the importance of consumer education in the ongoing 
                fight against fraud and encourage consumers to make 
                wise decisions.

                Each year, nearly 25 million adults are victims of 
                consumer fraud. These crimes damage lives and shake 
                consumer confidence. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 
                and other organizations recommend several steps that 
                Americans can take to help protect themselves against 
                fraud. First, consumers should be cautious about giving 
                out personal information such as Social Security and 
                account numbers. Second, they should be aware of the 
                credentials of an organization before making a 
                transaction, especially through the mail, over the 
                phone, or on the Internet. Third, before finalizing a 
                purchase or agreement, the FTC suggests considering 
                offers with care, avoiding immediate decisions, and 
                requesting to have information in writing. In addition, 
                when using the Internet, the FTC recommends that 
                consumers exercise caution in responding to 
                solicitations and that consumers use and regularly 
                update their anti-virus software and firewall.

                My Administration is committed to vigorous enforcement 
                of the consumer protection statutes, and the Department 
                of Justice's Office of Consumer Litigation and other 
                Federal agencies are working diligently to that end. 
                The FTC is working to fight unsolicited e-mail under 
                the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited 
                Pornography and Marketing Act and is establishing new 
                rules under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions 
                Act to further protect against identity theft. We are 
                protecting American consumers through the National Do-
                Not-Call Registry. Millions of Americans have 
                registered already, and individuals may call 1-888-382-
                1222 or visit the Do-Not-Call website at 
                www.donotcall.gov to have their number added to the 
                list. Citizens can learn more about ways to fight fraud 
                from the National Consumer Protection Week website at 
                www.consumer.gov/ncpw. By actively guarding against 
                fraud, consumers can protect themselves and enhance the 
                strength and integrity of our Nation's economy.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim February 5 through February 
                11, 2006, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call 
                upon Government officials, industry leaders, and 
                consumer advocates to provide citizens with information 
                about how they can be responsible consumers, and I 
                encourage all citizens to take an active role in 
                protecting their personal information.

[[Page 6334]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                third day of February, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand six, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 06-1209
Filed 2-7-06; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P