[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 6 (Monday, February 12, 2007)]
[Page 115]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8105--National Consumer Protection Week, 2007

 February 2, 2007

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    During National Consumer Protection Week, citizens are urged to 
learn more about the risks of fraud and identity theft and take 
precautions to protect themselves from these crimes.
    Americans can help prevent fraud and identity theft by becoming 
informed consumers. The Federal Trade Commission suggests that 
individuals safeguard personal information such as Social Security and 
account numbers, closely monitor their financial accounts, and report 
any problems or suspicious activity. When doing business through the 
Internet, it is especially important to protect personal data with 
appropriate software and commonsense security practices. Consumers and 
businesses can find resources on how to avoid identity theft and fraud 
by visiting the Federal Government's consumer protection website, 
www.consumer.gov.
    My Administration is committed to protecting consumers from fraud, 
deception, and unfair business practices. In May 2006, I signed an 
Executive Order creating the Nation's first Identity Theft Task Force, 
comprised of the heads of executive departments and agencies. This Task 
Force is implementing a comprehensive strategy to prevent identity 
theft, prosecute those who commit fraud, and help victims. Through these 
and other efforts, we are helping to ensure that consumers have the 
tools they need to secure their personal information, monitor their 
financial accounts, maintain their privacy, and make responsible 
decisions to guard against fraud.
    Consumer fraud takes advantage of the trust and integrity that 
characterizes our country's marketplace. By remaining vigilant and 
defending against fraud, Americans can protect their financial security 
and help our Nation's economy remain strong.
    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 4 through 
February 10, 2007, as National Consumer Protection Week. I call upon 
Government officials, industry leaders, and consumer advocates to 
provide citizens with information about how they can prevent fraud and 
identity theft, and I encourage all citizens to be responsible consumers 
and take an active role in protecting their personal information.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this second day of 
February, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., February 7, 
2007]

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.