For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
February 4, 2002
National Consumer Protection Week
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 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
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