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.

I shipped a computer with UPS. It arrived in pieces. Now what?

March 8, 2024January 11, 2018 by Christopher Elliott

When Kenneth Nicely ships a computer to a friend, it arrives in pieces. When he tries to file a claim for damages, he gets the runaround. Should he write off the $400 he lost?

Here are the best travel insurance policies

May 21, 2025January 8, 2018 by Christopher Elliott

What are the best travel insurance companies? That’s easy: I list them in my annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

The best policies? That’s not easy.

Bouncing around Colorado Springs in the dead of winter

January 31, 2024January 6, 2018 by Christopher Elliott

Mention Colorado Springs and you probably think of Pikes Peak, the highest mountain in the southern Front Range of the Rockies, or the Broadmoor Hotel, the historic resort nestled in the hills overlooking the city.

But what happens when you take both of those out of the picture, plus most of the other tourists?

A canceled British Airways flight to London and confusing claim

January 31, 2024January 5, 2018 by Christopher Elliott

After Vueling cancels John McDonnell’s flight, he tries to file a claim for compensation. But wait! British Airways issued his ticket. So who should pay?

This HTC phone doesn’t work — can you help me fix it?

January 31, 2024January 4, 2018 by Christopher Elliott

Albert Hanneman’s new HTC phone is missing in action after it breaks down and he sends it back to the manufacturer. Can the phone be found and fixed?

When you hear these words, run!

January 31, 2024January 2, 2018 by Christopher Elliott

You can always cancel.

Those are the four most dangerous words a consumer can hear.

They’re often preceded by: “Don’t worry!”

Finding a little adventure and a lot of grapefruit in the Valley of the Sun

December 13, 2023December 30, 2017 by Christopher Elliott

The suburbs of Arizona’s most populous city are probably the last place you’d expect to find adventure. But you don’t have to look far past the walls of its master-planned communities to discover a wilder side of this place.