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.

Our vacation rental in St. Lucia is closed — are we out of luck?

January 19, 2024December 25, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Susan Palmer and her family have a reservation for a vacation rental in St. Lucia. But the property is closed. Can this vacation be saved?

My Airbnb.com home is a guesthouse – how about a refund?

May 20, 2024December 25, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

When Kevin Calaba reserves a home on Airbnb.com, he expects a home. When he gets a guest house, he expects a refund. Is he expecting too much?

Why won’t my Claim Jumper gift certificate work?

January 17, 2024December 24, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Rachel Brekke finds two Claim Jumper gift certificates from 1996. Why won’t they work?

Is this car rental repair bill a scam?

January 17, 2024December 24, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Brian Davidson receives a mysterious repair bill from Alamo after renting a car. Is this a real bill — or a scam?

Why won’t DirecTV let me off the hook?

December 15, 2023December 24, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

DirecTV won’t honor Robert Savage’s contract. Can he cancel without paying an early termination fee?

Help, I can’t use my eBay gift card!

January 17, 2024December 23, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

After Murtuza Cutleriwala’s PayPal account is frozen, he can’t use his eBay gift card. The reason? They’re linked. Now what?

Don’t take “no” for an answer until you read this story

December 16, 2023December 23, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

If you’re thinking of taking “no” for an answer from a travel company, let Alan Schroeder talk you out of it.

What to do when American Home Shield won’t protect us

January 18, 2024December 22, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Dawn Pace’s hot water heater is broken and thanks to a dispute between American Home Shield and her plumber, she’s been without hot water for the last week. Can this dispute be settled before a holiday weekend?

A blown tire and bizarre bathroom break for this Delta “vacation”

December 16, 2023December 22, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

Lisa West’s case is strange, but not as strange as the response she received from Delta when she complained about it.

Hey Expedia, where’s our airline ticket refund?

April 24, 2024December 21, 2015 by Christopher Elliott

When Sue Ellen Svik’s mother-in-law passes away, she and her husband cancel a flight on US Airways. Expedia promises to handle a refund.