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.

Ayotunde Fatusin just lost $2,000 after he accidentally transferred it to the wrong person through Zelle. Bank of America won't reverse the transaction. But should it?

I sent $2,000 to the wrong person on Zelle. Can I get my money back?

June 26, 2024June 21, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Ayotunde Fatusin just lost $2,000 after he accidentally transferred it to the wrong person through Zelle. Bank of America won’t reverse the transaction. But should it?

Jacqueline Bartolini has a lost luggage problem with ITA. She's spent $992 to buy clothes, but the airline will only reimburse her for just $733. Who's right?

ITA Airways lost luggage problem: Why won’t it cover my expenses?

December 2, 2024June 19, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Jacqueline Bartolini has a lost luggage problem with ITA Airlines. She’s spent $992 to buy clothes, but the airline will only reimburse her for just $733. Who’s right?

Are airlines allowed to downgrade you from business class to economy? And if they do, what do they owe you?

Downgraded from business class to economy on KLM. But they messed with the wrong passengers!

May 11, 2026June 17, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Are airlines allowed to downgrade you from business class to economy? And if they do, what do they owe you?

If it feels like you have a target on your back when you're traveling, you might be right. American tourists are being profiled like never before, often in harmless ways, but sometimes with serious consequences. For example, in Colombia, being identified as an American tourist could lead to drugging, robbery, or worse. The State Department warns of escalating dangers, emphasizing caution. While most profiling is just annoying, some can be hazardous to your health. Learn how to avoid being targeted and stay safe abroad.

Warning: American tourists are being profiled. Don’t be one of them!

July 10, 2024June 15, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If it feels like you have a target on your back when you’re traveling, you might be right. Tourists are being profiled like never before.

Did Amazon lose Roberto Cusato's return package after he gave it to UPS? Amazon doesn't have it -- and is still holding the $756 he paid for the leg compressions.

Has Amazon lost my return package? And where’s my $756?

September 13, 2024June 14, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Did Amazon lose Roberto Cusato’s return package after he gave it to UPS? Amazon doesn’t have it — and is still holding the $756 he paid for the leg compressions.

When River Roberts accidentally spills food on his host's sofa, he's locked out of his Airbnb account. Will he ever be able to book another rental on Airbnb?

Help! I’m locked out of my Airbnb account after I spilled food on my host’s sofa

November 7, 2025June 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

When River Roberts accidentally spills food on his host’s sofa, Airbnb bans him from the platform. Will he ever be able to book another rental on Airbnb?

If an online travel agency never sends you a confirmation, do you still have to pay?

My online travel agency never sent me a confirmation. Do I still have to pay?

June 16, 2024June 10, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

If an online travel agency never sends you a confirmation, do you still have to pay? Meet someone who found out the hard way.

Traveling this summer means packed flights, jammed roads, and full hotels. Flexibility is key: fly to nearby cities, explore less popular destinations, and consider stopover programs. Use tools like Airbnb's flexible dates search and Google Flights' flexible schedule options to save money and enhance your travel experience. Bend, but don’t break.

Try this pro trick for an affordable and stress-free summer vacation

June 15, 2024June 8, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Life is full of compromises, and that will never be more true than when you’re traveling this summer.

Fransua Garcia just lost $2,500 after scammers sent her suspicious texts claiming to be from Citibank. Can she retrieve her money, which she transferred using Zelle?

Help! After suspicious texts from Citibank, I’ve lost $2,500

June 28, 2024June 7, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Fransua Garcia just lost $2,500 after scammers sent her suspicious texts claiming to be from Citibank. Can she retrieve her money, which she transferred using Zelle?

Why didn't Jessica Radosevic get her $444 refund from the online travel agency Traveluro? Could it have something to do with the credit card dispute she filed?

How to solve this mystery of the missing hotel refund? Check your credit card

June 19, 2024June 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Why didn’t Jessica Radosevic get her $444 refund from the online travel agency Traveluro? Could it have something to do with the credit card dispute she filed?