[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 46 (Thursday, March 8, 2018)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 10355-10356]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-04887]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 83 , No. 46 / Thursday, March 8, 2018 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 10355]]


                Proclamation 9703 of March 2, 2018

                
National Consumer Protection Week, 2018

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                A vibrant economy, fueled by consumer confidence, is at 
                the heart of American prosperity. Fraudulent and 
                deceptive practices erode the marketplace, cost 
                consumers billions of dollars each year, and undermine 
                the well-being of Americans and their families. During 
                National Consumer Protection Week, we focus on the 
                importance of safeguarding and strengthening our 
                economic health through consumer education and fraud 
                prevention.

                American consumers must be alert for a broad range of 
                scams and schemes, including identity theft, 
                cybersecurity breaches, and charity fraud, all of which 
                can destroy credit, diminish lifelong savings, and 
                erode financial security and confidence. All consumers 
                are vulnerable to financial exploitation, but depraved 
                scammers often target the elderly. Such fraud can rob 
                victims of their dignity and confidence, in addition to 
                their resources. For this reason, I signed into law the 
                Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act, which 
                increases penalties for criminals who target older 
                Americans.

                Imposter fraud is one of the fastest-growing scams 
                today. It takes many forms and affects Americans of all 
                ages, but the goal is always the same: to steal money 
                after gaining the trust of an unsuspecting consumer. 
                Imposters pose as bank representatives, government 
                organizations, State lottery officials, first 
                responders, Internal Revenue Service agents, technical 
                support personnel, and shamelessly and cruelly, loved 
                ones in distress. A growing number of imposter 
                fraudsters claim affiliation with the military in an 
                effort to trick service members or veterans into 
                sharing sensitive personal or financial information. 
                These con artists often convince people to send money 
                or to provide access to their computers, which can turn 
                out to be financially and personally devastating.

                National Consumer Protection Week is an opportunity for 
                Americans to learn about their consumer rights so they 
                can make better-informed financial decisions, avoid 
                predatory practices, and protect their families from 
                fraud and abuse. The Federal Government, in conjunction 
                with a network of national organizations and State and 
                local partners, provides information and resources that 
                help Americans avoid, report, or recover from fraud and 
                identity theft. I encourage all Americans to take this 
                week to learn about how they can protect themselves and 
                their families and defend their personal information 
                from the growing number of online threats. The best 
                weapon against fraud and extortion is a well-informed 
                consumer. Together, we can work toward preserving 
                economic prosperity and protecting personal financial 
                security.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim March 4 through March 
                10, 2018, as National Consumer Protection Week. I 
                encourage individuals, businesses, organizations, 
                government agencies, and community groups to take 
                advantage of the broad array of online resources 
                offered by the Federal Trade Commission, and to share 
                this information through consumer education activities 
                in communities across the country.

[[Page 10356]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                second day of March, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the 
                United States of America the two hundred and forty-
                second.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2018-04887
 3-7-18; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F8-P