On 2nd April 2024, my quarterly subscription was due to renew. On that date New Scientist debited my bank account with £257, simultaneously attempting to debit a further £55 (repeatedly) using a different (expired) debit card.After 7 weeks, 11 emails to "Customer Services" asking for repayment of £257, sending evidence from my bank multiple times, and receiving replies such as "I can confirm you only have one account with us" and similar drivel, I have now commenced legal action for recovery.I would add that the magazine quality has visibly declined over recent months, and I'm quite pleased to be rid of it.-----UPDATE. 10 June 2024-----Launched an online 'small claim' legal action against New Scientist. Heard today that "The Defendant's Response..." (that's NS) says:"I ADMIT ALL THE CLAIM" and is now legally obliged to refund the amount they stole from me, by 15 June 2024.I don't expect an apology however - and anyway, what would it be worth?-----UPDATE. 12 June 2024-----Have received a pretty genuine apology, plus a full refund, so we are friends again. Their external 'Customer Support' does need a root & branch shake up though, and my impression is that NS is now taking this seriously, having recognised the reputational damage tsunami that was going on.
