Oct. 06, 2026 | By TRICARE Communications
If you’ve gotten a suspicious phone call or message about your TRICARE coverage, don’t respond to it. Instead, report it to TRICARE.
There are many types of phishing scams targeted toward the military community, as described by Military OneSource. Beneficiaries may get calls, messages, emails, or texts from scammers claiming to be with TRICARE.
“Scammers may try to target anyone with TRICARE coverage,” said Kathy McGuire, Chief, Managed Care Support Branch, TRICARE Health Plan, at the Defense Health Agency. “Stay aware and report any suspicious calls or messages that say they’re from TRICARE.”
It’s important to know that TRICARE or its contractors won’t call you to collect payment or offer discounts. TRICARE will never text or call you asking for:
- Payment
- Personal identifying information, such as your Social Security number, date of birth, or DOD ID number
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.
- Ensure your contact information remains current with TRICARE to avoid your personal data from being breached. Personal data may be sent via mail or email to unintended recipients if your contact information isn’t kept up to date.
Reporting scams
Have you or someone you know gotten a scam phone call, text, email, or letter? 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. Depending on your plan, this may be your regional contractor, the TRICARE For Life contractor, the pharmacy contractor, or the TRICARE 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.
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 healthcare fraud.
