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.

Is Greyhound leaving passengers out in the cold?

January 23, 2024March 24, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

The temperature outside the Des Moines Greyhound bus terminal on a February morning fell to a dangerously frigid 17 degrees below zero.

No oceanview room – and no refund

January 23, 2024March 23, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Mary Fahy pays extra for a nonrefundable oceanview room through Expedia, but when she checks in, she’s given quarters overlooking the other side of the property. Is she owed a refund?

Is mandatory car rental insurance a “bait and switch” scheme?

January 23, 2024March 22, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Mom’s Element doesn’t work — can you help her?

January 23, 2024March 21, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Diana Kennison’s mother has a problem with her new flatscreen TV: it doesn’t work. But neither the manufacturer, nor Wal-Mart, can help her fix it.

What’s wrong with the TSAs gun obsession?

January 23, 2024March 20, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Maybe the TSA hasn’t ever caught a single terrorist red-handed, but it’s given us something almost as good: guns. Lots of guns.

Hey, where’s that Bahamas cruise you promised me?

January 23, 2024March 19, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

“There were angels all around me on that JetBlue flight”

January 23, 2024March 17, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

The truth about the TSA’s pointless knife fight

January 23, 2024March 17, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

The TSA’s surprise announcement that it will allow small knives and previously banned sporting equipment was met with concern and confusion.

Why was Mom’s card charged for my ticket?

January 23, 2024March 16, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

After Robin Griffith’s honeymoon, there’s a mysterious $869 charge on her mother’s credit card for a flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City. How did it get there, and how can she get rid of it?

Las Vegas ATM stole $990 — can you help recover it?

January 23, 2024March 14, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Tim Crawford tries to withdraw cash from an ATM in Las Vegas. He gets nothing, but his bank deducts $990 anyway. Is there a way to reverse it?