[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 120, 109th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7979--FEB. 3, 2006
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.

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120 STAT. 3760

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.
GEORGE W. BUSH