I subscribed for 1 year, using a student offer. I did not know that the subscription would auto-renew. At no point did new scientist communicate this information to me. I didn't read the magazine at all (still have most issues wrapped in the cellophane they were sent in, as my circumstances changed and I'm not at home most of the year). I definitely would not have spent £150 on a further year's subscription. I had no notification of the renewal, that they took more money out of my account, or anything. I found out only when I checked my bank account. I emailed them immediately to ask them to refund the money. I was told that they would refund £90, as this was the pro-rata refund. Not great, but better than nothing. I assumed that this would be done, as they promised. I checked my bank account several months later - no refund. I emailed them again to ask where it was. Now I've been told that there will be no refund! I am in absolute disbelief that this magazine would treat it's customers so badly. I will never read another copy, and have shared this story with social media, so that other people won't fall into this scam. I'm now seeking legal action, as I'm sure that these scam rolling subscriptions must be illegal - not to mention the broken promises from customer service. I just never expected this from (what I thought was) such a well-regarded publication. However, reading these reviews, it seems that their good image is just a facade and they are nothing but scammers. I look forward to doing my part to exposing their shoddy treatment of subscribers!Edit: I posted what happened to their facebook page and was promptly contacted and given a refund. So if you have trouble with these people, expose them in public to force them to act decently.
Claim your business profile now and gain access to all features and respond to customer reviews.
Science news and science articles from New Scientist