FALLS CHURCH, Va. – If you’ve recently gotten a suspicious text message about your TRICARE coverage, don’t respond. Instead, report it to TRICARE.

Some beneficiaries have gotten a text message from 888-763-0248. The sender claims to be Wisconsin Physicians Service, the TRICARE For Life contractor. But the text message is really part of a phishing scam targeting TRICARE For Life beneficiaries. The message says the recipient’s TRICARE coverage will expire due to nonpayment. It tells the recipient to call a toll-free number.

“The Defense Health Agency has recently learned of this phishing scam,” said Anne Breslin, TRICARE For Life program manager at the Defense Health Agency. “While it seems to be aimed at TFL beneficiaries, scammers may try to target anyone who has a TRICARE plan. You should stay aware and report any suspicious messages or calls that say they’re from TRICARE.”

It’s important to know that WPS doesn’t collect payments. Also, WPS won’t try to contact you via text message.

TRICARE will never text or call you asking for:

Payment
Personal identifying information

Keep these tips in mind when it comes to your personal information:

Never share personal or financial information with someone you don’t know.
Don’t open unsolicited, unexpected text messages or emails.
Don’t open links from unknown numbers or emails. Instead, contact your TRICARE contractor using a phone number or website you know is real to verify that they’re trying to reach you.

Reporting scams

Have you or someone you know gotten this scam text message? You should report any suspected fraud or abuse related to your TRICARE benefits.

There are two ways to make a report:

Option 1: Contact your TRICARE contractor.

TFL beneficiaries: Contact WPS.
Others: Contact the appropriate TRICARE contractor. This may be your regional contractor, the pharmacy contractor, or the Dental Program contractor.

Option 2: Contact the DHA Office of the Inspector General.

Give as much information as possible when you make your report. This may include names, dates, and details. Investigations are confidential. You can choose to remain anonymous.

Protect your personal information. Treat it like a credit card. If someone contacts you by phone, email, or text message asking for this information, don’t provide it. Instead, report it to your TRICARE contractor right away.

There are many types of phishing scams targeted toward the military community. For more information, check out Military OneSource.

Preventing TRICARE fraud and abuse is everyone’s responsibility. To learn more about how to spot scams, check out the FBI’s tips on catching health care fraud.

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