[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 6 (Monday, February 11, 2002)]
[Pages 178-179]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7523--National Consumer Protection Week, 2002

 February 4, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Each year, we recognize the important role played by public and 
private organizations in ensuring that the American consumer is 
protected from unfair practices. The theme of this year's National 
Consumer Protection Week is ``Consumer Confidential: The Privacy 
Story.'' By focusing on consumer privacy and the protection of personal 
information, this week will help Americans learn more about securing 
their personal information and preserving privacy.
    Advances in computer technology have enabled the more efficient use 
of information, which has benefitted society as a whole and individual 
consumers in particular. Americans now enjoy better access to credit and 
financial services, shopping choices, and educational resources. 
However, as personal information becomes more accessible, consumers, 
corporations, and government agencies must take precautions against the 
misuse of that information.
    One of the most harmful abuses of personal information is identity 
theft. This occurs when someone steals a Social Security number, a birth 
date, or some other important piece of personal information to open new, 
fraudulent charge accounts, to order merchandise, or to borrow money. 
Victims usually find out about such frauds when collection agencies 
pursue them for payment on

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these illegally created accounts, or they are denied credit because of 
unpaid debts accrued by identity thieves.
    While vigorous law enforcement is vital to preventing the misuse of 
personal information, consumer education is the first line of defense 
against this kind of fraud and deception. An educated consumer is a 
confident consumer; and it is confident consumers who drive the economy 
of our Nation.
    A number of public and private entities are joining forces this year 
to highlight consumer education efforts throughout the Nation. These 
efforts will help consumers learn more about securing personal 
information and privacy issues. The entities involved include the 
following: the Federal Trade Commission, the National Association of 
Consumer Agency Administrators, the National Consumers League, the 
American Association of Retired Persons, the Better Business Bureau, the 
Consumer Federation of America, the U.S. Postal Service, the U.S. Postal 
Inspection Service, the National Association of Attorneys General, and 
the Federal Consumer Information Center. These groups will help 
consumers understand how information and privacy issues affect their 
lives and the decisions they make in the marketplace.
    During National Consumer Protection Week, I encourage all Americans 
to learn more about ways to safeguard their personal information, 
recognize fraudulent telemarketers, and identify fraudulent e-mail. 
Through these measures, individuals can better protect their financial 
security and ultimately contribute to the long-term strength of our 
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 3 through 9, 
2002, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon Government 
officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates to provide consumers 
information about the use and misuse of personal information. This will 
help safeguard the economic future of all Americans.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of 
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 6, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
February 7.