[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 42, Number 6 (Monday, February 13, 2006)]
[Pages 191-192]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7979--National Consumer Protection Week, 2006

February 3, 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

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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.
    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

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 7, 
2006]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
February 8. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.