[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