Christopher Elliott

Christopher Elliott is the founder of Elliott Advocacy, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that empowers consumers to solve their problems and helps those who can't. He's the author of numerous books on consumer advocacy and writes three nationally syndicated columns. He also publishes the Elliott Report, a news site for consumers, and Elliott Confidential, a critically acclaimed newsletter about customer service. If you have a consumer problem you can't solve, contact him directly through his advocacy website. You can also follow him on X, Facebook, and LinkedIn, or sign up for his daily newsletter.

Priscilla's dream trip to Sedona turned into a nightmare when Southwest canceled her flight. But that was just the beginning. Marriott then took $1,745 of her vacation club points without explanation. What will happen next?

They canceled my flight. Can I get a refund for my Marriott Vacation Club Points?

January 19, 2024February 26, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

After Southwest canceled her flight, Marriott took $1,745 worth of Marriott Vacation Club points without explanation. Can they do that?

When Elie-Anne Chevrier rents a car from Hertz, she expects to pay $113. So why did the car rental company just charge her $840?

Hertz billed her for eight extra days on her car. Where’s the refund?

November 11, 2024February 24, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

John Baldwin's Samsung tablet won't hold a charge. He wants to file a warranty claim. Samsung says the device is out of warranty. Is it?

My Samsung tablet won’t hold a charge. Is my warranty dead, too?

January 19, 2024February 23, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Lyft surprises So Do with an $80 charge after a recent ride. The driver claims she damaged the car. But she says it wasn't her. How does she prove her innocence?

Lyft charged me $80 for damage to a car. But it wasn’t me!

March 6, 2024February 22, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Lyft surprises So Do with an $80 charge after a recent ride. The driver claims she damaged the car. But she says it wasn’t her. How does she prove her innocence?

Todd Brown's mattress order arrives in pieces from Amerisleep. After waiting months, he just wants a refund. Is that allowed?

His bed arrived in pieces. Can he get a refund from Amerisleep?

January 19, 2024February 21, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Todd Brown’s mattress order arrives in pieces from Amerisleep. After waiting months, he just wants a refund. Is that allowed?

When Joshua Rome cancels his dishwasher order from Sears, he hopes for a full refund. But the company wants to issue a partial credit. Can it do that?

He canceled his dishwasher order, but Sears kept his money

January 19, 2024February 20, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

When Joshua Rome cancels his dishwasher order from Sears, he hopes for a full refund. But the company wants to issue a partial credit. Can it do that?

Jeff von Bargen discovered mouse droppings in his vacation rental in San Luis Obispo, California and left the home after a sleepless night. The owner offered to refund part of von Bargen's rental fee in exchange for a five-star review, but von Bargen refused and contacted Vrbo, the vacation rental platform he used to book the property.

Mice in my vacation rental! But why can’t I get a refund?

September 20, 2024February 20, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

What are the policies of the major vacation rental platforms when it comes to mouse infestations? And what should you do if you find a mouse in your vacation rental?

Before Tom Moran buys his 58" Samsung Smart TV, he asks a representative if the unit is compatible with the MLB app. Samsung says it is -- but it isn't. Does he deserve a refund?

Samsung’s TV doesn’t work with the MLB app. Can I get a refund?

January 19, 2024February 19, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Before Tom Moran buys his 58″ Samsung Smart TV, he asks a representative if the unit is compatible with the MLB app. Samsung says it is — but it isn’t. Does he deserve a refund?

After Ekaterina Quinones returns her merchandise to T.J. Maxx, it agrees to a full refund. Then it fails to repay the money. What's going on?

Why won’t T.J. Maxx refund my purchase on PayPal?

January 19, 2024February 18, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

After Ekaterina Quinones returns her merchandise to T.J. Maxx, it agrees to a full refund. Then it fails to repay the money. What’s going on?

I've been without a refrigerator for three months. Why won't GE help me?

I’ve been without a refrigerator for three months. Why won’t GE help me?

January 19, 2024February 14, 2023 by Christopher Elliott