THE founder of Launceston Memory Cafe has warned older, vulnerable residents in the area to be aware of potential scammers during the self-isolation period. 

Cym Downing, founder of Launceston Memory Cafe, has postponed the cafe until further notice due to the Coronavirus outbreak. She is now warning her members, carers and vulnerable people in the Launceston community to be aware of scammers who are taking advantage of people in their own homes by a seemingly kind gesture of offering to do shopping for them.

The people Cym works with through Launceston Memory Cafe are some of the ‘most vulnerable’ in the community, and urges family members, friends and neighbours to make sure they are aware of who is contacting and entering the homes of these people.

She said: “We have closed the cafe because I have to think about the health of the volunteers as well as the carers. I am going to ring around because right now they are the most vulnerable. Over recent days I have had multiple calls from scammers — that is my worry. I want these people to make sure they are not opening the door to anybody they don’t know.”

Cym said there are local groups with people who can be sent out to help vulnerable people during this time, and she has been in contact with Launceston Police who has issued some advice to residents. 

The police have been made aware of a number of incidents involving scammers, including cold callers offering instant doorstep Covid-19 tests for £10 — which are not possible; offers of shopping trips where residents pay up-front and do not receive the goods; offers of odd jobs to gain entry into homes and stealing. 

The police said: “Please be aware criminals will take advantage of vulnerable situations like this. If you need help call someone you trust and if you’re worried, contact the police on 999 if an emergency or 101 if non-urgent.”

Cym continued: “We can only protect them as much as we can. Vulnerable people and those who are self-isolating should only let in people that they know really well.”

Launceston Memory Cafe will be closed until further notice. Cym added: “I shall start the cafe as soon as the Government say it’s okay to do so. They are advising against large social gatherings, and we handle groups of 50, plus. I won’t open again until further notice.”

Launceston Memory Cafe would still like to support members where possible, and are available on the telephone.