    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 132, 115th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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

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    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.
    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.
    DONALD J. TRUMP