What can you do if you sent money to a stranger by mistake?

What if you sent $500 to a stranger by mistake and that person refused to give back your money? That’s the shocking situation in which Rossin Asilo recently found herself.

Using the money transfer app Zelle for the first time, Asilo made a simple typo entering her friend’s phone number. That error dropped the cash intended for a memorial donation into the bank account of an unknown person. Unfortunately, that stranger appears to view the transaction as a $500 windfall and will not return the money.

Now Asilo is hoping that the Elliott Advocacy team can find a way to get her money back. But that request might just prove to be an impossible task.

Warning: If you’re an honest person, I guarantee that this story will make you angry. Read more “What can you do if you sent money to a stranger by mistake?”

Here’s how to quickly lose $1,300 to a stranger on Venmo!

Cindy Baker thought she understood how to use Venmo. She didn’t. Her confusion about the money transfer app led her to send $1,300 from her bank account directly to a virtual stranger. And that person refuses to return it.

Now she is asking the Elliott Advocacy team for help.

Baker’s expensive lesson on how to use Venmo safely is one that anyone considering using a money transfer app should read. Although Venmo is a convenient way to send funds to friends and family, there are dangers involved. That is to say; the system is much like a wire transfer — once you hit send, your cash is gone. And retrieving it can be impossible. (Reprint) Read more “Here’s how to quickly lose $1,300 to a stranger on Venmo!”

This is how to survive an airport terminal, bus terminal or train station

If you intend to travel during the pandemic, an airport, train station, or bus terminal is probably the last place you want to get stuck. Do I have to tell you why? There’s no place to sleep, food options are limited and expensive, and the bathrooms — yuck! 

Not all travel terminals are the same. But you can plan your trip to have the best possible experience. No joke: Your stopover can be one of the best parts of your trip. Read more “This is how to survive an airport terminal, bus terminal or train station”

I wasted $2,000 on a vacation rental that does not exist!

Paul Trosclair says he just spent nearly two grand on a vacation rental that does not exist. To make matters worse, Vrbo sided with the person he believes is a thief disguised as a host.

Now Trosclair hopes the Elliott Advocacy team can prove this vacation rental is nonexistent and get his money back.

But can we do it? Read more “I wasted $2,000 on a vacation rental that does not exist!”

Here it is: The most expensive car rental pricing mistake ever!

Marvin Payne believes he’s uncovered the most expensive car rental pricing mistake ever, and I think you might agree. Several weeks after returning his most recent vehicle, he got the shock of his life — a $6,000 upcharge.

The problem is, even three months down the road, Payless Car Rental won’t correct or even acknowledge its error.

Now Payne is hoping that the Elliott Advocacy team can fix this outrageous mistake. Read more “Here it is: The most expensive car rental pricing mistake ever!”

This passport mistake will ruin your vacation every time

Prior to the current global pandemic, Trevor Seamon made a devastating passport mistake and it ruined his family’s dream vacation. In all the preparation for the journey to Italy, he neglected to check the validity of their passports. That error led the Seamons to arrive at the airport with passports expiring within 90 days — invalid for travel. Denied boarding, they missed their eagerly anticipated trip and ended up right back home at the end of the day.

Seamon believes Air France is responsible for this passport mistake, and he wants our team to negotiate a refund. But is the airline responsible for the family’s ruined vacation? (Reprint) Read more “This passport mistake will ruin your vacation every time”

Here are the answers to the top coronavirus travel questions

Do you need a comprehensive guide to help you handle all of your coronavirus travel questions? No worries, the Elliott Advocacy team has you covered.

During the past month, our team has been busy advocating cases like never before — 24 hours a day. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked coronavirus travel questions we’ve received. (Last updated Feb 5, 2021) Read more “Here are the answers to the top coronavirus travel questions”

How long does it take to get a refund during the pandemic?

Patty Eggen is upset — and she wants to know if she’s being too patient. She booked an Alaska cruise and canceled it many months ago. Her cruise fare refund from Norwegian arrived in early July. But her airfare refund from Alaska Airlines is still missing in action. And she’s wondering: How long does it take to get a refund during the pandemic? (Reprint) Read more “How long does it take to get a refund during the pandemic?”