I would give zero stars if I could. I tried to buy a gift subscription for son via Applepay and it said that there was a problem and the transaction could not be completed. I tried again using a bank card and received the same message. A couple of minutes later I received two separate emails advising of two subscriptions (and payments taken) to the same person. I called the economist help line number and spoke with Swooruu B about refunding of the transactions. Mr B continually put me on hold whilst trying to find either of the two transactions. After 30+ minutes he said he that the only way that he could refund the transaction was if I supplied my bank card details, including expiry date and Cvv code. When I said I was not comfortable giving these details (including security code) for a refund the call came to a halt and I was assured that there was no other way of doing this. I was very apprehensive about subscribing due to the run of poor reviews and this has done nothing to restore my confidence.22 December, Thank you for the refund which has been received. Edited to add and reiterate, customer service person was insistent that I provide cvv code and even when I suggested that this would be in breech of common sense he was dismissive and rude. I explained numerous times that banks would never authorise you to do this but he was patronising and adamant that full card details including cvv code were required for a refund. I knew this was incorrect but Mr B refused to listen. He would not escalate call even when I said I wanted to speak with a manager to log as a complaint. The whole call lasted over 35 minutes and was a very unpleasant experience. Call took place at on the 20 December at 20:10 UK time should you wish to listen and was a dreadful experience from start to finish. I am concerned that callers may disclose sensitive financial information and this needs to be addressed as a priority.
