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.

A SIM swapping nightmare leads to a $3,809 bill from Best Buy. Can Chase help?

A SIM swapping nightmare leads to a $3,809 bill from Best Buy. Can Chase help?

January 20, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

What is SIM swapping and how do you prevent it? Here’s how to protect yourself from identity theft and reclaim your money.

Tourists are hated now more than ever. Maybe it's because they did not behave last summer. Here's what to do about hating tourists.

Everyone hates tourists. Here’s how to be a better traveler next summer.

January 18, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Tourists are hated now more than ever. Maybe it’s because they did not behave last summer. Here’s what to do about hating tourists.

The Shelbourne Dublin is on a mission to become a zero-waste hotel. It's a lofty goal for any establishment, let alone a 200-year-old luxury hotel known as the Grand Dame of Dublin.

How Ireland’s Shelbourne Hotel is finding sustainability

January 18, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

The Shelbourne Dublin is on a mission to become a zero-waste hotel. It’s a lofty goal for any establishment, let alone a 200-year-old luxury hotel known as the Grand Dame of Dublin.

When Danny Gardner cancels his Master Protection from Sears, a representative tells him to be patient and that the bank is slow to process refunds. But it's been four months.

I canceled the Master Protection on my washer. Can I get a refund from Sears?

January 17, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

When Danny Gardner cancels his Master Protection from Sears, a representative tells him to be patient and that the bank is slow to process refunds. But it’s been four months.

The hotel David Marsh reserved in Cancun, Mexico, is not responding to his questions -- but it's keeping his money. Can Booking.com help him get a refund?

My hotel won’t answer me. How about a refund?

January 15, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

The hotel David Marsh reserved in Cancun, Mexico, is not responding to his questions — but it’s keeping his money. Can Booking.com help him get a refund?

Francois Bernier wants his money back from a hotel in Italy, but he's not sure if he can get it.

I want my money back for this hotel! Can I dispute a credit card charge made abroad?

January 13, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Can I dispute a credit card charge I made abroad? That’s what one of our readers wants to know. Here’s the surprising answer.

Travel fakes like this are on the uptick in 2025. Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create fake websites, listings and social media profiles designed to separate you from your money.

How to protect yourself from travel fakes

January 12, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Travel fakes like this are on the uptick in 2025. Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create fake websites, listings and social media profiles designed to separate you from your money.

In our hurry to catch the plane -- or maybe just to get through our security screening -- travelers leave so much behind. Here's how to protect your valuables when you're being screened.

How to protect your valuables when you’re being screened at the airport

January 11, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

In our hurry to catch the plane — or maybe just to get through our security screening — travelers leave so much behind. Here’s how to protect your valuables when you’re being screened.

Amazon sends Marshall Haney the wrong water heater. After he returns it, the company won't refund his money. Where did he go wrong?

Amazon sent me the wrong water heater! Why can’t I get a refund?

January 10, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Amazon sends Marshall Haney the wrong water heater. After he returns it, the company won’t refund his money. Where did he go wrong?

Justin Baribeau books a hotel room online. But now there's no record of his Booking.com reservation. Can he get his money back?

My hotel had no record of my Booking.com reservation. Why can’t I get a refund?

January 8, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Justin Baribeau books a hotel room online. But now there’s no record of his Booking.com reservation. Can he get his money back?