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Elliott Report

Elliott Report

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Problem Solved

Problem Solved is a weekly consumer column that fixes reader problems. From broken laptop computers to faulty kitchen appliances, nothing is off limits for this feature. Each story brings a fresh problem and solution in an engaging and succinct Q&A format.

The customer received a poor-quality item from SmartBargains, contacted them multiple times for a return authorization with no response.

I’m really steamed about a quilt I can’t return

January 23, 2024May 9, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

SmartBargains.com won’t respond to Peter Zapalo’s request for a refund on a quilt he purchased through the site. How do you get the company to listen?

Categories Problem Solved
I regularly purchased Starbucks gift cards on eBay at a discount and simply transferred the balance to my loyalty card.

“I feel like Starbucks is stealing money from me”

January 23, 2024May 2, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Peter Volpe’s Starbucks account is frozen, and he doesn’t understand why. Is the company allowed to just confiscate his credits?

Categories Problem Solved
The long-time Pottery Barn customer is requesting a replacement for slipcovers on a sectional sofa that developed light yellow hatch marks.

Help! My Pottery Barn slipcovers have faded

January 23, 2024April 25, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Ricki Le Vine’s slipcovers, purchased three years ago at the Pottery Barn, are fading. Why won’t the company stand behind its product?

Categories Problem Solved
I recently discontinued my T-Mobile wireless service in what I hoped would be a smooth transition. It wasn't.

Why did T-Mobile charge me an early termination fee?

May 3, 2025April 18, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

T-Mobile wants to charge Chad Jones a $200 early termination fee. But wait — isn’t he on a month-to-month plan? He sure is. Or at least, he thinks he is.

Categories Problem Solved
David is seeking a warranty repair for their Whirlpool microwave that failed within a short time of purchase.

Why did this Whirlpool microwave go down the drain?

January 23, 2024April 11, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

David Eck’s Whirlpool microwave breaks down less than two years after he buys it. The company will fix it -— for $300. Is that the right offer?

Categories Problem Solved
I have a problem with DirecTV that I'm hoping you can help me with. The building I live in has been sold and all leases have been terminated.

Help! DirecTV is charging $235 for my move

January 23, 2024April 4, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

DirecTV wants to charge Heather Amaral $238 for moving her service, even though she didn’t want to move, and even though the moving fee wasn’t adequately disclosed. Does she have a case?

Categories Problem Solved
We woke up to our fire alarms going off and a strong smell of burning plastic. We quickly ran outside and called the fire department.

My Frigidaire burst into flames — now what?

January 23, 2024March 28, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

When Lauren Fitzgerald’s dishwasher self-destructs, she turns to the manufacturer for help. But it won’t do anything. What the next step?

Categories Problem Solved
My mother recently purchased an Element flatscreen TV at Wal-Mart, along with a two-year extended warranty.

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.

Categories Problem Solved
An ATM dispute with Bank of America in Las Vegas, where multiple unsuccessful attempts to withdraw funds resulted in pending transactions.

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?

Categories Problem Solved
The AAA member faced issues with membership renewal when AAA unsuccessfully attempted to charge their credit card.

Get me out of AAA renewal hell, please!

January 23, 2024March 7, 2013 by Christopher Elliott

Ruth Marino just wants to renew her AAA membership. But her credit card company is not making it easy.

Categories Problem Solved
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