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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.

Carolyn Hoke's anticipation for a serene seven-night river cruise from St. Louis to Minneapolis with American Queen Voyages turned into a prolonged ordeal of frustration and uncertainty. After the unexpected cancellation of her cruise in November 2022, Carolyn found herself ensnared in a seemingly endless wait for a refund of $10,126. Despite her persistent efforts, including calls to the company, escalations to the accounting department, and complaints to the Florida Division of Consumer Service, the refund remained elusive. As she navigated the maze of customer service apologies and bureaucratic dead ends, the ominous shadow of the company's potential bankruptcy loomed large, threatening to engulf her hopes of reclaiming her hard-earned money. This tale of perseverance against the tides of corporate negligence unfolds as Carolyn, with the help of consumer advocacy, confronts the daunting challenge of securing her refund from the brink of a collapsing cruise line.

Help! American Queen Voyages canceled my cruise but kept my $10,126

March 21, 2024March 1, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Carolyn Hoke has been waiting more than a year for her refund from American Queen Voyages for a canceled cruise. Why is it taking so long — and how can she speed up the process?

Categories Problem Solved
Diego Vega found himself unwittingly enrolled in Uber One through a Capital One offer, facing charges for a service he never wanted. Despite attempts to unenroll, both companies were unresponsive, leaving him trapped in a subscription nightmare. This story explores the ease of signing up for such memberships, the challenges in canceling them, and the relentless marketing that follows. It highlights the crucial steps to cancel unwanted subscriptions and the importance of vigilance with credit card offers. An investigation into Vega's situation reveals a surprising twist, offering a resolution and shedding light on consumer rights.

I never ordered Uber One. Please help me get my money back!

August 1, 2025February 23, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Diego Vega is signed up for Uber One. He has no idea how he’s been enrolled in the monthly $9.99 membership, but he does know one thing: He wants to un-enroll. But how?

Categories Problem Solved
After UPS loses Vanessa Armendariz' return package to Amazon, she can't get her money back. Whose responsibility is this? And should she have to pay for someone else's mistake?

UPS lost my package! But is Amazon’s resolution fair?

April 26, 2025February 16, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

After UPS loses Vanessa Armendariz’ return package to Amazon, she can’t get her money back. Whose responsibility is this? And should she have to pay for someone else’s mistake?

Categories Problem Solved
The touchscreen on Satoaki Omori's new HP Envy laptop doesn't work, and the computer has been discontinued. Can he get a full refund -- or a replacement?

Help! My HP Envy doesn’t work. Can I get a replacement or a refund?

November 8, 2024February 9, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

The touchscreen on Satoaki Omori’s new HP Envy laptop doesn’t work, and the computer has been discontinued. Can he get a full refund — or a replacement?

Categories Problem Solved
Roy Gregston's Hoover Steam Mop, purchased from Amazon with an extended warranty, breaks down months later. Navigating a maze of customer service from Asurion, Hoover, and Amazon, he faces a restocking fee and limited support. Despite policies and warranties, he's left with a defective product and mounting frustration. Will his persistence pay off, or is he stuck with a costly, unusable mop and half his money gone?

My steam mop broke! Amazon won’t clean up this mess — and now there’s a restocking fee

March 29, 2024February 2, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Roy Gregston’s Hoover Complete Steam Mop breaks down only a few months after he buys it from Amazon. Even though he has a three-year extended warranty, no one will cover it. And then there’s a restocking fee, too. What’s going on?

Categories Problem Solved
Ronald Crossley faces a challenging situation with his Hamilton Beach toaster oven, experiencing both functional issues and poor customer service. Despite his efforts to return the appliance and request a refund, he encounters unresponsiveness, leading him to seek advice on how to navigate this frustrating consumer predicament.

“Burned” by my Hamilton Beach toaster oven. Why can’t I get a refund?

August 31, 2024January 26, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Ronald Crossley’s Hamilton Beach toaster oven doesn’t work. And apparently, neither does the Hamilton Beach customer service department. How does he get this appliance fixed?

Categories Problem Solved
In this detailed account, John faces a challenging transaction dispute with PayPal over a $2,600 fraud. The incident highlights significant flaws in digital transaction security, prompting a deep dive into PayPal's handling of unauthorized activities. Learn essential tips for safeguarding your online transactions and understand the complexities of resolving such disputes in the evolving landscape of digital finance

How do I get PayPal to reverse a fraudulent charge for $2,600? Can you help?

September 25, 2024January 19, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

PayPal won’t refund an unauthorized charge on John Boham-Cook’s account, even though it reversed two others by the same fraudster. How can he get the company to see things his way?

Categories Problem Solved
Britt Lane's ordeal with Ashley Furniture began when her new bed arrived missing crucial parts. Despite repeated efforts to resolve the issue, including requests for a partial refund and a copy of the contract, she faced unhelpful customer service and was left sleeping on the floor for over a month.

My bed from Ashley Furniture is missing a few parts. What should I do?

January 13, 2024January 12, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

What’s wrong with Britt Lane’s bed? And why won’t Ashley Furniture fix it for her? She’s been sleeping on the floor since she ordered the furniture from the retailer. 

Categories Problem Solved
Here is a 70-word excerpt: Becky Taylor was excited for the P!nk concert she spent over $600 on tickets for. But when she arrived, her view was completely obstructed by foul-ball nets and camera equipment. She reached out to Ticketmaster asking for a refund, but they refused. I assisted Becky in her case against Ticketmaster by contacting them on her behalf. After reviewing her documentation showing the obstructed view, they finally agreed to fully refund her tickets. Persistence pays off!

I couldn’t see P!nk because of a foul-ball net. Can I get a refund from Ticketmaster?

January 6, 2025January 5, 2024 by Christopher Elliott

Becky Taylor’s view at a P!nk concert is obstructed by a foul-ball net. She wants her money back from Ticketmaster. Does she have a case?

Categories Problem Solved
Jim Ogden faced a frustrating ordeal with his new BMW M240i Coupe. Despite a full warranty, the car's persistent issues remained unresolved by the dealership. With the service department unable to fix the vehicle and lemon lawyers hesitant to take on a used car case, Ogden sought external help.

My BMW doesn’t work! Why won’t they fix it?

August 31, 2024December 28, 2023 by Christopher Elliott

Jim Ogden’s new BMW is a lemon, but he can’t get his dealership to fix it or take the car back. What are his options?

Categories Problem Solved
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