Broncos fans urged to buck off bizarre mascot scam
Updated . First published at
Brisbane Broncos fans are being warned not to fall for a bizarre scam circulating on social media.
On Wednesday night, the club issued an alert after discovering fraudsters were offering fake mascot audition opportunities in exchange for financial payment.
Buck the mascot is being used to scam Broncos supporters. Bradley Kanaris
The club wrote a statement to reiterate that the Brisbane Broncos had “no affiliation” with the rogue fraudsters whatsoever. The online scam also offered player meet and greet opportunities, also in exchange for payment.
They also explained that the Queensland Police Service have been made aware of the matter.
“The club will never request payment for auditions or unsolicited opportunities shared via social media or private message,” the Broncos said in a statement.
“Official Brisbane Broncos communications will always come through our verified website and official social media channels.”
The scam is particularly cheeky given the unique nature of the Broncos’ mascots.
The club’s official mascot is ‘Buck’, who is a live Australian stockhorse from Australian Outback Spectacular who canters out at home games.
They also employ a costumed human counterpart, also named Buck, for stadium duty and community events.
Buck the stockhorse is also a mascot for the club. Regi Varghese
The Broncos urged their supporters to be vigilant of impersonating accounts that ask for personal or financial payment.
Brisbane play the Roosters on Friday night.
