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.

Francois Bernier wants his money back from a hotel in Italy, but he's not sure if he can get it.

I want my money back for this hotel! Can I dispute a credit card charge made abroad?

June 24, 2025January 13, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Can I dispute a credit card charge I made abroad? That’s what one of our readers wants to know. Here’s the surprising answer.

Travel fakes like this are on the uptick in 2025. Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create fake websites, listings and social media profiles designed to separate you from your money.

How to protect yourself from travel fakes

February 27, 2025January 12, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Travel fakes like this are on the uptick in 2025. Criminals are using artificial intelligence to create fake websites, listings and social media profiles designed to separate you from your money.

In our hurry to catch the plane -- or maybe just to get through our security screening -- travelers leave so much behind. Here's how to protect your valuables when you're being screened.

How to protect your valuables when you’re being screened at the airport

April 6, 2025January 11, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

In our hurry to catch the plane — or maybe just to get through our security screening — travelers leave so much behind. Here’s how to protect your valuables when you’re being screened.

Amazon sends Marshall Haney the wrong water heater. After he returns it, the company won't refund his money. Where did he go wrong?

Amazon sent me the wrong water heater! Why can’t I get a refund?

December 2, 2025January 10, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Amazon sends Marshall Haney the wrong water heater. After he returns it, the company won’t refund his money. Where did he go wrong?

Justin Baribeau books a hotel room online. But now there's no record of his Booking.com reservation. Can he get his money back?

My hotel had no record of my Booking.com reservation. Why can’t I get a refund?

January 19, 2025January 8, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Justin Baribeau books a hotel room online. But now there’s no record of his Booking.com reservation. Can he get his money back?

Rahama Wright thought her Airbnb allowed kids. She thought wrong.

Does Airbnb allow kids? Here’s how one guest got kicked out of her apartment

August 7, 2025January 6, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Does Airbnb allow kids? Some do, but some don’t, as one of our readers found out. Will her host keep all of her money?

Travelers are refusing to accept high costs and bad service in 2025. And instead of looking for ways to beat the system, they're just avoiding it altogether.

Travelers are refusing to do these 5 things in 2025. Should you?

July 22, 2025January 5, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Travelers are refusing to accept high costs and bad service in 2025. And instead of looking for ways to beat the system, they’re just avoiding it altogether.

Sara Banks, founder of SteamLine Luggage.

How an Irish luxury luggage manufacturer became sustainable

June 25, 2025January 4, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Everyone is talking about sustainability these days. Here’s how one Irish luxury luggage manufacturer is quietly doing it.

Martin Griffin's new Samsung TV stopped working. He wants to get his money back, but Samsung has other ideas. Who is right?

Can I get a $500 refund for my Samsung TV that stopped working?

January 13, 2025January 3, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Martin Griffin’s new Samsung TV stopped working. He wants to get his money back, but Samsung has other ideas. Who is right?

Hertz says Shane Rich rented a car in Cabo San Lucas with two women. He says it's a case of mistaken identity. Now the company has suspended his rental privileges. How can he reverse their decision?

Hertz mistaken identity: I was blacklisted after Mexico rental mix-up!

October 14, 2025January 1, 2025 by Christopher Elliott

Hertz says Shane Rich rented a car in Cabo San Lucas with two women. He says it’s a case of mistaken identity. Now the company has suspended his rental privileges. How can he reverse their decision?