Burgum, Stenehjem caution against scams related to COVID-19
At Thursday's press briefing, Gov. Doug Burgum was joined by Attorney General Stenehjem to address the increase in scams targeting North Dakotans related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The North Dakota Information Technology Department has been vigilant against cyberattacks targeting state assets, Burgum said, noting it's important for citizens to be cautious of cyberscams and other types of fraudulent activity.
Stenehjem said that his office has seen an uptick in scams attempting to exploit feelings of fear caused by the virus. In these scams, perpetrators will try to convince consumers to buy a fake product claiming to cure the disease or impersonate a family member in need to receive money.
As the federal CARES Act goes into effect, Stenehjem warned that new scams are already underway to get personal information from North Dakotans as they await federal assistance. Tips on how to avoid scams and prevent family members from falling victim to these attacks is available on the website for the Office of the Attorney General.
Catch up on all of the coronavirus-related news and press briefings from this week at NDResponse.gov.
Team ND is working as one to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) and other state agencies are working around the clock to slow the spread of COVID-19 in North Dakota. In partnership with federal, local and tribal partners, Team ND is tackling this pandemic through a whole-of-government, whole-of-community approach.
- For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information, see the NDDoH website.
- Visit the governor's website for a recap of what's happened this week.
- NDResponse.gov is your one-stop site for state and federal resources for COVID-19.
Burgum congratulates Erbele on retirement, thanks him for service
Gov. Burgum thanked Garland Erbele for his four years of service as North Dakota's State Engineer as he retired from that position on Tuesday, March 31. Erbele was appointed as North Dakota’s 18th State Engineer and Secretary to the Water Commission in April 2016. Erbele served the public throughout his 40-year career as an environmental engineer in various positions in South Dakota and North Dakota.
“We are deeply grateful for Garland’s consistent leadership, thoughtfulness and responsible management of North Dakota’s substantial water resources in a way that improved the quality of life for all North Dakotans. As state engineer, he oversaw many important and impactful developments, from major flood protection and water supply projects, to the innovative North Dakota Risk Assessment MapService,” said Burgum, who chairs the ten-member State Water Commission. “We thank him for his four decades of public service, including his nearly four years in North Dakota as state engineer, and we wish him all the best in retirement.”
Erbele led the Water Commission's technological advances in the collection, monitoring, utilization and dissemination of important data. Projects such as PRESENS, NDRAM, and AEM surveys are among the innovative and noteworthy programs that were implemented under Erbele’s leadership.
“I have had the good fortune of having a life that has been spent in water management and development. It has been my privilege to serve the state of North Dakota,” said Erbele. “The role of State Engineer has provided me with many success stories and I am honored to have worked alongside such a dedicated group of professionals who care deeply about the future of water in North Dakota. The work we do, each and every day, touches the lives of every North Dakotan.”
John Paczkowski, who was serving as North Dakota’s Assistant State Engineer, has been appointed Interim State Engineer effective April 1.
Every North Dakotan has a role to play in protecting their fellow citizens.
Individuals can help protect themselves from COVID-19 by practicing everyday preventative behaviors. Stay home, avoid non-essential trips, cover coughs and sneezes, frequently wash hands with soap and water and clean frequently touched surfaces.
For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website, follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website.