A rise in scam websites posing as official MHS GENESIS Patient Portal pages has prompted new warnings for military families and beneficiaries. The Defense Health Agency is urging anyone who receives care at a military hospital or clinic to stay alert when managing their health information online, noting that fraudulent sites are becoming increasingly convincing.

The legitimate MHS GENESIS Patient Portal allows patients to review test results, send secure messages, and manage appointments. Scam sites mimic the look and feel of these official pages, copying logos, colors, and layouts in an attempt to steal sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, Social Security numbers, and health or insurance details. Once obtained, this information can be used for identity theft or other fraudulent activity.

Officials emphasize that real access to the MHS GENESIS Patient Portal always begins through trusted government sources and uses URLs ending in .mil. Addresses that appear misspelled, unusual, or that request personal or financial information upfront are key warning signs. Unexpected emails or text messages containing links to the portal should also be treated with caution.

Cybersecurity experts recommend several steps to reduce risk: verify that the URL is correct, avoid clicking unfamiliar links, use strong and unique passwords, and keep devices updated. Beneficiaries who are unsure whether a site is legitimate are encouraged to pause and verify before entering any information.

Suspicious websites or messages can be reported to TRICARE regional contractors or directly to the Defense Health Agency. Anyone who believes their personal information may have been compromised should change passwords immediately, file a report with DHA and the Federal Trade Commission, and monitor accounts for unusual activity.

As online tools continue to expand access to health care, officials stress that awareness and caution remain essential. Understanding how to identify fraudulent sites helps protect both personal information and the broader military health community.