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 the 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 to:

• 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:

• TRICARE For Life (WPS): Call (866) 773-0404 or email reportit@wpsic.com.
• TRICARE East Region (Humana Military): Call (800) 333-1620 or use this website.
• TRICARE West Region (Health Net Federal Services): Call (844) 886-2206, email Program.Integrity@hnfs.com, or use this website.
• TRICARE Overseas (International SOS): Call (877) 342-2503 or (215) 354-5020, email TOPProgramIntegrity@internationalsos.com, or use this website.

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:

• From our financial and benefits expert: Protect Yourself From These 5 Common Fraud Schemes
• Three-part series: Don’t Be Scammed
• Recorded webinars (available to Premium and Life members): An Overview of Scams and Frauds | Outsmart the Scammers: How to Spot and Avoid Financial Fraud | Protecting Yourself From Cybercrime and Scams

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.