Brisbane Broncos fans have been warned of a scam offering fake chances to audition to be the team’s new mascot.
The NRL club released a statement on Wednesday saying it had been made aware of the scam, which was falsely offering “mascot audition opportunities in exchange for payment”.
The statement stressed the “activity is not affiliated with the Brisbane Broncos in any way”.
“The club will never request payment for auditions or unsolicited opportunities shared via social media or private message,” it read.
“We encourage supporters to be cautious, avoid engaging with these accounts, and never share personal or financial information.
“Official Brisbane Broncos communications will always come through our verified website and official social media channels.
“The Queensland Police Service is also aware of the matter.”
The NRL club has encouraged supporters to avoid engaging with scam accounts. (ABC News: Christopher Gillette)
Buck the horse has been a regular feature at home games in Brisbane for years alongside the costumed mascot.Â
However, not everyone is a fan.Â
Last year, animal activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) urged the club to retire the live horse mascot and use only the costumed human mascot instead.
PETA also asked the club to move away from imagery such as bucking broncos and change the team name to Brisbane Boomerangs.
Buck features at the Broncos’ home games in Brisbane. (ABC News: Lucy Loram)
At the time, the Broncos CEO Dave Donaghy declined the request.Â
“Buck is an iconic, much-loved and much cared for member of the Broncos family and has been for a very long time,” he said.
“We have no plans to retire Buck, and our game day staff will continue, as we always have, to work with his rider Nat and the stadium to ensure the highest level of safety, for both Buck and our fans in stadia.”
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