Report: Scammers Targeting TRICARE For Life Beneficiaries With Fake Text Messages

Report: Scammers Targeting TRICARE For Life Beneficiaries With Fake Text Messages
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TRICARE For Life (TFL) beneficiaries should be on the lookout for fake text messages claiming their health care benefit will expire, according to a recent warning from the Defense Health Agency (DHA).

 

Beneficiaries reported receiving a text from (888) 763-0248, with the sender claiming to be Wisconsin Physicians Service (WPS), the domestic TFL contractor. The message states the recipient is about to lose coverage “due to nonpayment” and should call the toll-free number, according to DHA.

 

WPS does not send text messages to beneficiaries, per DHA, nor does the contractor collect money.

 

The scam could expand beyond TFL beneficiaries to the wider TRICARE population, according to the agency. In its alert, it reminded beneficiaries should:

  • Not open links in unsolicited emails or texts.
  • Not reply to unsolicited texts.
  • Not provide personal information via these communications, or to any unknown person.

 

[PREMIUM AND LIFE MEMBER EXCLUSIVE: Transitioning Into Medicare and TRICARE For Life]

 

Reporting Fraud

If you have been contacted as part of this scam or any TRICARE-related fraud, DHA asks that you file a report to the appropriate agency using the following contact information:

 

Reports also can be made to the DHA Office of the Inspector General. Learn more about how to file a report at this link.

 

More Help From MOAA

MOAA offers a range of resources to help you protect your personal data (and your bank account) from scammers of all types:

 

MOAA also is a partner in the Cybercrime Support Network’s Military and Veteran Program, which aims to protect servicemembers, veterans, and military families from falling victim to fraud. Get more resources from that organization at this link.

 

Have More Questions About Your Health Care Benefit?

MOAA's TRICARE Guide answers some commonly asked questions.

ACCESS THE GUIDE

About the Author

Kevin Lilley
Kevin Lilley

Lilley serves as MOAA's digital content manager. His duties include producing, editing, and managing content for a variety of platforms, with a concentration on The MOAA Newsletter and MOAA.org. Follow him on X: @KRLilley