Premium post
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
We dont have income taxes in the UAE :D
Google Play gift cards rejected due to “inconsistencies” despite providing FOUR receipts — need help
I'm desperately looking for help with an ongoing dispute with Google Play. I'm extremely frustrated with how this situation has been handled, and I'm hoping someone here can offer advice or help me find a way to get this resolved.
I purchased multiple Google Play gift cards legitimately from Dundle and provided FOUR receipts as proof of purchase. Despite cooperating with Google's verification requests, I still cannot use two of my gift cards.
Here's what happened:
One gift card was successfully redeemed on my first Google account, and I spent the balance.
Another gift card was successfully redeemed on my second Google account, but I couldn't use the balance because Google Play displayed a UAE region restriction, even though I live in the UAE.
Two other gift cards remain unresolved, and I have been unable to use them on either account.
Google repeatedly refers to “inconsistencies” with my account but has not provided a meaningful explanation or a clear path to resolving the issue. After I escalated the matter, a superior told me that the inconsistencies could not be revealed because doing so would expose Google's fraud-detection methods.
I understand that Google needs to protect its internal security systems. However, I'm not asking for its algorithms or sensitive security information. I'm asking for a fair review of legitimate purchases, a meaningful explanation of the decision, and a practical way to redeem my gift cards or recover my money.
I have contacted Google repeatedly, submitted the requested evidence, and provided FOUR receipts. I'm exhausted by the cycle of contacting support and receiving responses that don't resolve anything.
Why I'm reaching out to Elliott Advocacy
I found Elliott Advocacy's December 2024 article, “My Google Play account is frozen and I'm out $115. Can you help me?” In that case, Christopher Elliott contacted Google, and the customer's funds were eventually released. Reading about that outcome gave me hope that my situation might also be resolvable with the right assistance.
I have also researched numerous Reddit discussions from other customers describing similar Google Play gift card problems, unexplained “inconsistencies,” unusable balances, regional restrictions, and frustrating customer support experiences:
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1go2jy7/struggling_with_google_play_support/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1koqwke/what_is_with_google_and_the_word_inconsistencies/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1nptjbp/google_play_inconsistencies/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1lc6r8u/psa_do_not_buy_google_play_store_gift_cards/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1mjp341/cant_use_my_google_play_giftcard_due_to/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1qh7mnn/google_play_customer_support_is_unreal/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1rl79dd/google_play_theft/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1i0a30j/unable_to_use_my_google_play_balance_here_is_a/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1kiptvu/inconsistencies_so_now_my_they_wont_honor_my_gift/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1i8d5ja/i_feel_scammed_by_google_with_my_google_play/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1cigl10/so_my_money_is_gone_just_like_that_cant_redeem_a/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1nevokf/google_play_gift_card_scammed_by_google/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1putpf0/google_play_apparently_scammed_my_50_dollars/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1kqklmt/i_bought_a_google_play_gift_card_in_germany_and/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1jlgmxn/locked_out_of_my_google_play_balance/
https://www.reddit.com/r/googleplay/comments/1h63dru/cant_use_google_play_balancemoney_from_google_play/
What I'm asking for
I'd appreciate Elliott Advocacy's help in determining whether someone can review my case, contact Google on my behalf, or advise me on the most realistic way to obtain redemption or a refund through Google, Dundle, or another appropriate route.
I can provide all FOUR purchase receipts, verification emails, and support correspondence privately if needed.
Thank you for your detailed submission and for providing the background on your efforts to resolve this matter with Google.
I understand why you are frustrated, particularly since you have provided multiple purchase receipts and cooperated with Google's verification requests without receiving a clear explanation of what remains necessary to resolve the problem.
Unfortunately, Google's reference to undisclosed “inconsistencies” raises an issue that may make this difficult for us to successfully mediate. Companies generally do not disclose the specific criteria or information used by their fraud-detection and account-security systems, and we may not be able to obtain that information through our involvement.
Because gift cards are frequently targeted for fraud and other illicit activity, companies may subject gift-card purchases and redemptions to additional security screening. It is also possible that a particular card has been reported as lost, stolen, or otherwise flagged, which can sometimes create problems with cards that were purchased through third-party or resale channels.
Since these gift cards were not purchased directly from Google, I would recommend pursuing the matter with the company that sold you the cards. That is the company to which you actually paid for the cards, and it may be in the best position to investigate the transaction and provide a refund if the cards cannot be used. You should provide the seller with the information and documentation you received from Google and specifically request a refund for any cards that remain unusable.
I recommend making this request in writing and keeping copies of all correspondence, receipts, and supporting documentation. If the seller does not provide a satisfactory resolution, you can then consider disputing the charge with the payment method used to purchase the cards, such as your credit-card issuer. The written correspondence will also establish the paper trail showing that you made reasonable efforts to resolve the matter directly with the seller.
If these efforts do not produce a successful resolution, we would be happy to review the resulting paper trail to determine whether this is a matter we may be able to assist with.
Warning on Shopify
Many Merchants now use Shopify which collects your data, without your knowledge or approval! I recently moved and updated my address for all my credit cards etc. Today I made a purchase at a site with Apple Pay, having confirmed my Apple Wallet was using the new address. When the confirmation came up it showed Shopify was involved and that the shipping address was the old address while the billing address was correct.
I immediately contacted the merchant who refused to change the address and told me to contact Fed Ex when I had a tracking number! I contacted them anyway and they said it would cost $25.50 - no, not paying!
I tried to contact Shopify but to do that you have to set up an account - given this experience that is not happening! So you have to search for a Shopify opt out site where you enter your phone number, it sends you a code and then you click delete all my data! Seemingly next time i shop at a merchant that uses Shopify it will repopulate my information and retain it!!
Now I have to do a credit card dispute to get my money back - Amex are also not surprised! Seemingly this is a well known issue with Shopify albeit lots of merchants use it! Why is a company allowed to get away with this? Why can they over ride our information and use out of date information and why do merchants allow this to happen? Time for data protection including owner control. This would not be permitted in Europe!
Lynn, thanks for supporting Elliott Confidential as a Pro subscriber. I really appreciate it. I’m sorry about the address mix-up. Moving is stressful enough without an order heading to a house you’ve left. That would frustrate anyone. And as someone who has moved many times, I would include me in that group.
Your first priority is the package, not the dispute. Once you have the FedEx tracking number, go to the tracking page, select Manage Delivery and ask FedEx to hold the package at a location near your new home. That’s a different request from a full address change. It’s often cheaper, and sometimes free. Check the price before you confirm.
https://www.fedex.com/en-us/shipping/hold-at-location.html
A shipper can block redirects. If that option doesn’t appear, go back to the merchant in writing. Ask it to cancel the order or have the package returned for a refund.
Now, about how the old address got there. I don’t think Shopify is the main problem. Apple Pay keeps a shipping address that’s separate from your card’s billing address. You’ll find it on your iPhone under Settings, then Wallet & Apple Pay, then Transaction Defaults. If you updated your cards but not that setting, Apple Pay would hand the merchant your new billing address and your old shipping address. That matches what you saw. Fix it now so it doesn’t happen again.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/124933
Shopify does keep your information if you’ve opted into Shop Pay at some point. That usually happens when you enter your phone number at a Shopify checkout and agree to save your details. The opt-out form you found is the right one. You can also ask Shopify to erase your data through its privacy portal, with no account required.
Erasing your Shop Pay data won’t clear your information from the merchant’s own records. Ask the merchant to update or delete your customer profile, too.
On the Amex dispute, I’d wait a few days. Card companies usually side with a merchant that shipped to the address it received at checkout. If the package lands at your old address and you can’t recover it, or if the merchant refuses to cancel, a dispute makes more sense. Keep screenshots of your order confirmation and your messages with the merchant.
You’re right that Europe gives consumers stronger data rights. The U.S. has no comprehensive federal privacy law. A growing number of states, including California, let you ask a company to correct or delete your personal information. If you think Shopify or the merchant mishandled your data, you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
We don’t have executive contacts for Shopify on our site yet, but we’re working on adding them.
Amtrack Vacations
Trying to obtain my money back on a trip that was booked to Washington DC. I was notified that the train had been cancelled. I am not able to cancel any part of the trip, hotel or tours, as they were booked as part of a package.
Who did you book the trip with? Was the train travel part of the package? What does your confirmation say about cancellations?
Hyundai COMPLAINT filed 9/17/26 - Dealership STOLE entire ZURICH CONTRACT of $10,357 without Authorization or Diagnostic - car still NOT OPERABLE - escalated NON-RESPONSIVE DEALERSHIP - Deceptive Trade Practices
Hello - this happened at KING HYUNDAI in Deerfield Beach, Florida 33441 from 8/28/26 - 9/16/2026 - 5 visits in all - only written as TWO CLAIMS - they falsified documents. Signed a SCRIBBLE NAME to get paid. And I had to maneuver thru dealing with a NARCISSIST attacking me - come to find out the SERVICE ADVISOR - I did have to bring these things to the dealerships attention since it was documented on their SECURITY FOOTAGE and their RECORDED PHONE LINES. As the 2nd CLAIM approached - it got progressively worse. I was BAMBOOZLED.
Happy to upload anything you may need - most GRATEFUL for how to get them to FIX THE CAR, RETURN THE CONTRACT MONEY they stole to ZURICH, etc...
No replies to any of the emails except a PAT ANSWER from the General Manager - dismissing everything the COMPLAINT asked him to do.
I have been very TRANSPARENT on my FACEBOOK PAGE
www.facebook.comJulie ChabotJulie Chabot is on Facebook. Join Facebook to connect with Julie Chabot and others you may know. Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected.
Initial Visit was on 8/28/26, car given back to with NEW ISSUES - Engine Overheating, Warning Lights, TMPS Tire needing Air still on, etc.. -Told to return on Mon 8/31/26 - waited in LOBBY for over 6 hours - told it was a TIMING ISSUE - not provided any ESTIMATE, REPAIRS NEEDED, PRICING. Car Loaner was given to me - asked to return the LOANER prior to repairs being finished (inconvenienced after just adding GAS to tank). Car finally returned to me on 9/3/26 - was NOT ASKED to sign anything but the DIAGNOSTIC agreeing to $329.99 if I chose NOT TO GET THE REPAIRS DONE. I was handed an ACCOUNTIUNG DUPLICATE INVOICE with $8,104.80 of repairs - stated PAID - as if ZURICH had already approved and paid them - I was in SHOCK!!!
I thought the leaking engine oil and other POWERTRAIN ISSUES under the Hyundai 100,000 10 yr warranty were covering whatever was wrong - why he would not share with me an ESTIMATE, DIAGNOSTIC, PRICING. Boy was I wrong - they were UNSCRUPULOUS.
Come to find out - the car was NOT REPAIRED - the ORIGINAL ISSUES told to the Service Advisor were not DOCUMENTED or HEARD properly.
They did not assess WHY THE DRAINED BATTERIES nor WHY THE CAR WAS NOT STARTING. NEW ISSUES is what I had now - dangerous driving in TRAFFIC with NO GAS ACCELERATION, STALLING, HAVING TO DRIVE WITH HAZARDS... never experienced any of this before.
Asked to bring the car back - I waited until 9/10/26 - problems started on the 5th off SEPT - less then 2 days after receiving the car back.
I have uploaded many PHOTOS of dashboard warning lights & many emails to all parties thru their PORTAL - DEALERSHIP, ZURICH, GENERAL MGR, SERVICE MGR, SERVICE ADVISOR, HYUNDAI REPRESENTATIVE
Was asked to POST what has transpired to bring me here looking for ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE - ORIGINAL COMPLAINT escalated to Mr. Eric Rios Office. Nothing has happened PRIOR to this - Dealership chose to be DISMISSIVE and not re-code POWERTRAIN ITEMS. I do have Nikita from his office that escalated the COMPLAINT - that just happened.
____________________________________________________________________________-
Hyundai Motor America Case# 43265894 - 30 days it has been - NO DRIVABLE CAR
Tue, Oct 20, 7:49 AM (2 days ago)
to erios
EDUARDO RIOS
Senior Group Manager – Case Management
Hyundai Motor America
RE: Motor Vehicle Repairs Case# 43265894
KING HYUNDAI dba
DEERFIELD BEACH AUTOMOTIVE LLC
1399 S. Federal Hwy
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
Good Morning Mr. Eduardo Rios,
I was led to reach out to you, as you may be able to assist me in handing this COMPLAINT opened on September 17, 2026 per ZURICH'S Instructions. I have a NON DRIVABLE CAR since 9/18/2026 - Dealership never received AUTHORIZATION from me to repair anything at all, or remove any parts from my vehicle, nor steal all of my ZURICH EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT - they maxed it out ($10,357.15) and did not address the MOST IMPORTANT ORIGINAL ISSUES - leaving me stranded.
I needed to have other items fixed but was not given a VOICE - it was MY CAR - how could they be so callous??? My SUN VISORS needed to be replaced - both Metal Clips popped, drivers side IMPEDES driving - mirror popped out, was hanging loose - I removed that and the excess materials it is covered in, I had water inside where the seatbelt comes out on the DRIVERS SIDE wet??? - do not know if it is also on the Passenger side as well, and ALL WINDOWS - Inside Condensation, Needed rear brakes, Front Brakes all orange rust from some Industrial Cleaner they used here to clean the rims but forgot to wash it off - horrible, Center console no longer closes and locks - must put the latch lightly in place - it always locked before. I was looking forward to NO MORE CAR PAYMENTS in a few months - most careless and negligent they were.
They chose to FALSIFY DOCUMENTS along with a FALSE NARRATIVE of the ORIGINAL ISSUES - why I came to the Dealership. They chose to SPEAK ON MY BEHALF - I never gave them PERMISSION TO DO THAT. The Service Advisor GOT IT WRONG - a Colossal Mistake that has only cost me - not the DEALERSHIP. They have NOT TAKEN ACCOUNTABILITY - but they were RUTHLESS in choosing how to spend my EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT behind my back - disgraceful.
The General Manager was clueless about the FACTS because the DOCUMENTS were falsified he was looking at, only wished to make me go away. I do understand in a perfect world the DOCUMENTS should be accurate - mine are NOT.
Gary Desrosiers, the Service Advisor ended up to be a Narcissist that attacked me verbally on Security Footage and on Recorded Phone Lines - he belittled, goaded, ridiculed, made fun of, berated in front of other customers - they only look away. Very Sad! But, they witnessed. I did not treat him with DISRESPECT - Bilal is aware of this.
They chose to REFUSE to provide me a list of POWERTRAIN LINE ITEMS and a Total amount that would be refunded to Zurich - now it is over 30 days. My Life is sitting in LIMBO because of their POOR DECISIONS they made.
If that had been fixed and sent to ZURICH (the credit), I could finally have gotten the ITEMS that were ignored fixed).
On 9.16.2026 I called HYUNDAI while waiting in the DEALERSHIP for my last set of repairs to be completed - they DID NOT HAPPEN on 9/10/2026 as stated in the system. I called to find out how we could CORRECT the Powertrain Warranty Items that had been repaired supposedly and taken from my ZURICH CONTRACT intentionally - Megan was professional, very helpful, sent the Service Manager instructions - I did not realize they do not respect your remote/hybrid workers at the DEALERSHIP - that was disturbing. The Service Manager did not have time to see me the day before - when I did get to speak with him he tried to bring to my attention they were just WORKERS AT HOME - total disrespect.
I was appalled when I was handed, a PAID INVOICE of $8,104.80 on 9/3/2026 that I was NOT ASKED TO SIGN - they never provided me a DIAGNOSIS, nor ESTIMATE, nor PRICING, nothing to APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE... I would have caught their errors - NO ENGINE RATTLING. No Maintenance denied - they did not tell me what was due??? They seemed to BUILD A FALSE NARRATIVE just to serve themselves - most disturbing.
ATROCIOUS what they did. And they never solved the problem of the CAR NOT STARTING & WHY THE BATTERIES were being drained - 4 total, now I need a 5th battery & what I found while researching online was a STARTER MOTOR that most likely was FAULTY DEFECTOVE since last October 2025 when the CAR was not starting.
I know they are simply SELLING YOUR BRAND OF CARS, but they give HYUNDAI a very bad name. Why would they choose to NOT HONOR THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY from my original lease of 2018?
This is my 2nd Hyundai - my first was a little ACCENT leased from this dealership, then this Elantra I did not choose personally, but I chose to be Grateful though and go along with the program. It was always a good car, that is until the DEALERSHIP chose not to respect that I was the OWNER. I always came to this DEALERSHIP until COVID, they were fearful, no longer had the EXPRESS OIL CHANGE like before - so I went elsewhere - was hard for me to make appointments during the week - people choose to JUDGE in LIFE, not knowing they have gotten it all wrong. They are NOT APPRECIATIVE.
They did me a terrible disservice fixing very expensive items of a MECHANICAL NATURE that kept giving me NEW ISSUES I had never experienced before with my VEHICLE, I believe it was an ELECTRICAL ISSUE for the two items NOT ADDRESSED - the most important items.
They also had the audacity to CHARGE MY ZURICH ACCOUNT for these NEW ISSUES that were not of my making - Stalling in Traffic, Having to Drive with Hazards on - fearing for my life, No Gas Acceleration when I lifted my foot off the brake in TRAFFIC, Putting Gas in the car and the ENGINE LIGHT would go on (Code P1180?) - VERY FRIGHTENING.... I did have crazy drivers yelling at me - TURN YOUR HAZARDS OFF.... my goodness. I did not come to the DEALERSHIP with these issues - never had these problems ever in my life with any car I ever owned.
When I needed a new BATTERY on a Saturday afternoon in June of 2024 because it would not start, and 2 ladies were kind enough to jump start me - I chose to go to the CLOSEST LOCATION to get a Battery - so I could drive 2 hours back to where I was working since only MAY 2024. The dealership on a SATURDAY afternoon did not cross my mind, I believe they were closed - I went to Pepboys, never had been there before. This was how the journey began - we are on number 4 battery in need of a 5th battery now since it was DRAINED as well. The battery was BRAND NEW the day I visited the DEALERSHIP on Friday 8.28.2026.
Because they were playing with my LIFE by their words and actions, I chose to file a Complaint with the BBB and the FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL recently, I asked for all of the money they STOLE to be returned to ZURICH CONTRACT kindly so I could get my CAR REPAIRED elsewhere - because they refused to re-code and HONOR the Hyundai Powertrain Warranty, refused to call me a TOW TRUCK for their errors, and basically dismissed anything I said to them unless I CAME UP WITH MORE MONEY - a money pit.
They do not CARE ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERs - sad!!!
I realized they put themselves in a precarious position of FALSIFYING their INVOICES and DIAGNOSIS (dated 9/10 - sent 9/24 in error by TEXT... looks like someone's WORKSHEET). Wrong Tire (RIGHT REAR was the issue as seen in many photo's, GOOD BATTERY 12V, ESC - Electronic Stability Control (SOLID LIGHT - NOT FLASHING LIGHT, (see pdf) etc.... The DOLLAR AMOUNTS, COSTS and SERVICE ADVISOR DECLINED and a FALSE NARRATIVE, they NEVER included me but verbally called it a "TIMING ISSUE: - what does that mean?
My last initial visit began on 9/10/2026 where Gary would not give me my car back - kept me waiting to almost 5pm - never had he done that before - a FIASCO in the waiting area and the Service Bay with witnesses. Then 9/11/2026 to pick up the CAR and then 9/16/2026 for FINAL REPAIRS that were suppose to FUX ALL PROBLEMS - what I was told. That did not happen. Car no longer started on 9/18/2026 - not the Battery.
I am a RETIRED SENIOR CITIZEN that is displaced - I had $10,357.15 to FIX the items that were important, to make sure I had a SAFE VEHICLE to drive - they DID NOT CHOOSE to include me in anything - it was like being VIOLATED & RAPED, their dismissiveness. Total Disrespect for another HUMAN BEING - horrible.
I have tried to upload all emails, photos to the HYUNDAI PORTAL - I still have TEXTS to Gary Desrosiers that have NOT BEEN uploaded though.
I ask for your HELP Sir - I am most grateful for you taking the time to read what I have written. Just a small synopsis of what went wrong here at the DEALERSHIP.
When a CUSTOMER is not heard and a $10,357.15 colossal error has occurred - with the ORIGINAL ISSUES not being addressed - that is a HUGE PROBLEM!!!
What can be done to rectify this mess the DEALERSHIP CREATED?
I look forward to hearing from you - happy to answer any questions you may have.
With Much Gratitude,
Julie Chabot
P.S. It would be nice if a customer does purchase a ZURICH EXTENDED WARRANTY CONTRACT knowingly OR unknowingly like myself - that you REQUEST the DEALERSHIPS to immediately upload that information within the first 30 days into your system - GAP was also sold to me as a "REQUIREMENT of my BANK" - CHASE of almost 30 years, that come to find out was only a Lie.
______________________________________________________________________-
THE BEGINNING of he ISSUES upon receiving car back 9/3/2026
Car stalled at Red Light - Engine Light comes on, Electronic Stabity Contact ( ESC) Light too
Wed, Sep 9, 8:47 AM
Hi Gary,
Car drives nice - but some strange things happening.
I will try to come in either today or tomorrow.
LOW TIRE PRESSURE warning never went off - tire has stayed filled. Light has always automatically gone off when tire is filled with Air. (TMPS)
I looked up where it can be turned off manually under the steering wheel somewhere. Will leave that in the mechanics hands
Today was frightening - sitting at a RED LIGHT with my foot on the brake. car stalls - BATTERY LIGHT & all other Warning Lights come on, I immediately shut the car off, then restarted and was able to drive with many cars behind me - I was in the front. Never had this happen.
Engine light appears upon starting car, stays on, and also goes on & then will turn of by itself. Pictures taken..
That car with skid Mark's SYMBOL -Electronic Stabity Contact (ESC) Light - would stay on all weekend - why is that? Then again yesterday?
Right now only the TMPS is staying on.
I attached what Google showed about the ESC.
I did not receive a receipt for the $100 deductible paid in cash.
Thank you So Much,
Julie Chabot
__________________________________________________________________________
Fwd Attachments: Car stalled at Red Light - Engine Light comes on, Electronic Stabity Contact ( ESC) Light too
Wed, Sep 9, 11:25 AM
Hello Gary,
Forgot to Attach these for you.
Car just stalled again on SUNRISE BLVD - sandwiched in - had to turn the car off and turn it back on at a red light - I put my hazards on. Something with the gas pedal - intermittently. Frightening ...
When I brought the car in - something was EATING UP THE BATTERY - three batteries replaced in 10 months - the last one I had them check what could it be - NO MUSIC, NO CHARGING of PHONE, DID NOT HAVE AIR then.... strange.
All car dashboard lights would come on - key fob was NOT BEING ACKNOWLEDGED - car would not start more than 75% of the time - it had a mind of it's own.
I am very concerned for my SAFETY while driving - I nevver had all of these issues.
I am certain they can check the TMPS and other warning lights and figure out what is causing these NEW ISSUES.
Thank You,
Julie
(PHOTOS OF DASHBOARD, SCREENSHOTS of what I found - were provided to him/the Dealership)
The ESC warning light indicates a problem with your car’s Electronic Stability Control system, which helps prevent skidding and maintain vehicle stability.
What ESC Is
ESC stands for Electronic Stability Control, a safety system that automatically adjusts individual wheel brakes and engine power to help keep your vehicle on course during slippery conditions or emergency maneuvers
Kelley Blue Book+1. It works by comparing your steering input with the car’s actual movement using sensors like wheel-speed sensors, a steering angle sensor, and a yaw/lateral-G sensor
obdadvisor.com+1. ESC is standard on most modern vehicles and significantly reduces the risk of spin-outs and rollovers
_______________________________________________________________________________
Car stalled 4 times - Battery Light & Engine Oil light as well as ESC and the KEY FOB Light go on - Part 1
Thu, Sep 10, 7:43 AM
Good Morning Gary,
Our recorded call yesterday did not go well - you appeared to be threatening me that you'll never be able to prove what's happening to the car. I felt as if you were attacking me. You called me. I only wish for these NEW CAR ISSUES to be addressed.
I did not come to the dealership with these NEW ISSUES that I never experienced before. The car NEVER INTERMITTENLY stopped working before. Your words on that receipt, along with mileage is inaccurate - for the record. That does not look good.
Just prepared for Zurich is what it appears like.
Under the hood, was disturbing to find a disposable rag. white spray all over the engine cover, battery, etc...
As if something exploded? No one bothered to clean up?
The last time it stalled was sitting in place with the Air Co Running this AM - was not driving yet.
I feel the car was not finished being fixed. I am very disappointed that you would give the car back to me in this shape with the TMPS still on. As if no one cared. Not cleaned off.
Here is what happened - see attached
With Much Gratitude,
Julie Chabot
(PHOTOS WERE ATTACHED of Dashboard Lights)
________________________________________________________________
A Few Questions - Julie Chabot Hyundai Case Number #4326589
Sat, Oct 17, 1:26 PM (6 days ago)
to Justice, HCCM, Shawn, Mark
Good Morning Justice,
The invoices were FALSIFIED - I never APPROVED or DECLINED anything - they NEVER GAVE ME AN OPPORTUNITY to make decisions for MY VEHICLE - with the guidance of the DEALERSHIP of course. But, I was not aware of ANYTHING until AFTER THE FACT.
The ISSUES WHEN I ARRIVED on 8/28/2026 as stated in PRIOR EMAILS are not what is stated on CLAIM #1 or CLAIM #2.
What the ORIGINAL ISSUES were that I shared with Mr. Gary Desrosiers:
1. 3 drained batteries in less than 10 MONTHS - my 4th one installed the VERY SAME DAY I visited the dealership (4 batteries in ALL over 26 months) I finally questioned why? (SAME ISSUE from 10.15.2025) NOT ADDRESSED
2. Why were the BATTERIES being drained? What was causing this? NOT ADDRESSED
Received a lecture on SECURITY FOOTAGE with witnesses about Pepboy’s BAD BATTERIES on 9/16/2026, what he was trying to tell me - he was a CHARACTER ACTOR - not a good man bullying & attacking me.
3. Engine Light on - NO OVERHEATING THOUGH NOT ADDRESSED
4. Pepboys found a P1180 code - which is a FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM ISSUE. Odd that when I went to NAPLETONS they actually did a FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM COMPUTER UPDATE SUPPOSEDLY, when I also got my CAR ISSUES EDITED tor America Case# 43265894 OIL CHANGE. I was told that was NOT CHECKED - it turned into a DIFFERENT CODE Gary told me. NOT ADDRESSED
5. Car not starting - entire Dashboard of all Warning Lights on with KEY FOB LIGHT - was not a DEAD CELL BATTERY for the Key Fob, changed that several times (SAME ISSUE FROM 10.15.2025 - NEVER DOCUMENTED PROPERLY) NOT ADDRESSED
6. ENGINE trying to start - heard vibrating, as if gremlins were in there. Knocking, NO JUICE from the STARTER MOTOR - SLUGGISH. I would try to start it several consecutive times - sometimes it would start, sometimes it did not. (SAME ISSUE FROM 10.15.2025 - NEVER DOCUMENTED PROPERLY) NOT ADDRESSED
7. No Air Conditioning any longer - even though I took it to Napleton's - only lasted 2 months. They did not diagnose it properly - they are an IN and OUT kinda DEALERSHIP. Changed out lower assembly hoses on receipt.
8. GRINDING underneath the car on the right-hand front.
9. TMPS warning light did not go off when AIR ADDED - tried it again, it worked perfectly. Dealership never addressed the ISSUE - but I was told a few lies. It just needed AIR - then it went OFF AUTOMATICALLY like it always did. They added it to my receipt as if they TOOK CARE OF IT at N/C - that is DECEPTIVE. NOT ADDRESSED
10. MY BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ALL ON - the car was NOT ON - and I was NOT IN THE CAR but standing behind the TRUNK... Gary knew this, to me it appeared like an ELECTRICAL ISSUE. How did he know???
11. ENGINE OIL LEAK seeping out sides and back where cover was (SAME AS 10.15.2025) - no one ever shared this with me before.
As I have come to understand now, Gary Desrosiers had the INABILITY TO RETAIN, LISTEN and UNDERSTAND what I told him - he only saw $$$ Lets be REAL here - why would they HIDE THIS FROM ME THE ISSUES NEEDING REPAIR on my Vehicle (Not Yours) - and remove me from the EQUATION - $$$$
Gary was unprovoked each & every time he BULLIED ME in your Dealership.
This is so disgusting on so very many levels - Womanizers
I DID NOT sign Claim #1 (790734) at all - never saw it until the repairs were supposedly completed on Sept 3rd, 2026 and my car was being returned to me with WAENING LIGHTS still on. It was only a "DUPLICATE" - not the one you sent me Justice.
Claim #2 (791200) given to me after the car was repaired supposedly on Sept 16, 2026 - I realized I should NOT HAVE SIGNED IT AT THAT TIME when they were going to retunr my car to me once again NOT REPAIRED .... only lasted 1 1/2 days - Gary was SNARKY & DISRESPECTFUL on your recorded lines on Sat 9/19/2026, documented in previous emails already - they really are FRAUDS.
Why did you PAY THEM without my approval or signature?
I was NEVER informed of MAINTENANCE DUE with my non- drivable car. Common Sense: why would I decline something that was needed when I had the funds to FIX EVERYTHING - I thought?
* Please guide me to where I can find the UNNECESSARY NOT APPROVED INSTALLATION OF A NEW FUSE BOX on the Claims - which one was that approved on your end?
* Why would you APPROVE MISC REPAIR with NO DESCRIPTION - just a PRICE? (on a few line items - hidden from the customer??? - not good for the customer to ever do that - NO WARRANTY???)
Everything REEKS of Deceptive Trade Practices.
I needed the DEFECTIVE SUN VISORS with broken plastic molded innards and Broken Clip(s) to be replaced. - the driver's side IMPEDES DRIVING horribly. But Kayla in "CLAIMS" said, you are MAXED OUT - that was why.
What did you REQUIRE to approve both of these claims?
The code reader access is hanging and fully visible with this FUSE BOX - NOT SECURED - I doubt it would ever work properly - looks like someone jerry rigged everything they did to my CAR - horrible. Inexperienced MECHANIC - whoever did this last CLAIM #2 (from 9/16/2026 - date REPAIRS ACTUALLY TOOK PLACE) - who damages another's property and pretends NOTHING HAPPENED - YOU ASK FOR HELP.
I did NOT NEED many of these items supposedly installed and approved by the DEALERSHIP ONLY - not I.
I was never given a
* Diagnosis for either CLAIM
* Estimate (for over $150 in repairs)
* List of Repairs needed
* Never signed anything AUTHORIZING YOU TO RELEASE FUNDS TO THEM
ONLY SIGNED A $329.99 DIAGNOSIS - that I was aware from my LAST VISIT in 2025 that would disappear if I APPROVED REPAIRS. Gary had TWO copies but did not give me a COPY???
Nor did he state anything to me about the process - he is a Shyster of the nth degree. Commission and Bonus - his only GOAL
I was NOT GIVEN ANY OPPORTUNITY to APPROVE OR DISAPPROVE any line item or repair nor maintenance.\
The GENERAL MANAGER is looking at papers/files in the computer on his end that are ACTUALLY FALSIFIED documents never sent to me or handed to me.
Most disturbing - my car has NOT BEEN moved since Sept 18, 2026. FAULTY DEFECTIVE Starter Motor will not turn the ENGINE ON, another DRAINED BATTERY #4 on Oct 2nd, 2026. Car Dead.
I need this to be rectified and the GUILTY PARTIES to take accountability for fixing their errors - NEGLIGENCE with another's property. It has been OVER 1 month NOW.
I have provided the ATTORNEY GENERAL of FLORIDA a COMPLAINT FILED thru their office along with much of the emails, claims, invoice, etc....
I am a most patient & understanding person - but the DEALERSHIP RAPED ME - you took all of the ZURICH CONTRACT and made POOR CHOICES on BOTH CLAIMS with my extended contract money of $10,357.15 - fixing things NOT BROKEN or in need of BEING FIXED and did not DIAGNOSE IT PROPERLY, the ORIGINAL PROBLEMS - I did not GIVE PERMISSION for that to happen - NOR am I responsible for YOUR NEGLIGENCE. And you CHARGED me for your ERRORS on Claim #1 and #2 - items NOT NECESSARY.
From Gary Desrosiers WORDS and ACTIONS, he set me up - almost all of that is verified with your SECURITY FOOTAGE and RECORDED PHONE LINES. He is a GAMBLING MAN - with others LIVES and PROPERTY and you as a DEALERSHIP allowed it to happen.
The time is NOW Gentleman - am hoping your employees come forward to TELL THE TRUTH.
God Speed ...
With Much Gratitude,
Julie Chabot
_________________________________________________________________
Image 1 of 21
YouTube channel falsely or unfairly terminated
I am requesting advocacy help regarding the termination of my YouTube channel, Wondercore65, first and originally known as WordGirl&NightcoreFTW AlejandroFTL Animations, and which maintained a clean 8-year record with zero active strikes. It was removed from YouTube on June 19th for alleged sex and nudity, and I was confused because I had absolutely NO idea what content on my channel violated the policy. Matter of fact, I have never possessed nor have posted anything sexually explicit or inappropriate on my channel.
From what I did experience though, I was doing a multi participant livestream on June 15th. When I added one guest on stage (actually the second one who came by the way), he allegedly played an explicit video of a person who was probably birthing something and I acted IMMEDIATELY to delete it from my channel as soon as I became aware of it. I had to make a new livestream as a replacement which was clean and had no issues unlike the original, and luckily, I did not get a warning or a strike that time. I experienced a similar incident back in September 2023 which resulted in my very first and only warning for the same policy and had already expired 5 months later. That too I also immediately deleted from my dashboard right before the warning was issued.
YouTube Support has continuously refused to provide the specific video titles or timestamps that allegedly violated policy, hiding behind scripted claims of a 'human review' on content that was already deleted. I even tried to reach out to them on Twitter (now called X), and told me that the decision stands as well as ignoring me, just because my appeal was rejected.
I have compiled my dispute document, my appeal video, and channel history from Google Takeout in Google Drive, and I need help reaching corporate liaisons who can review the actual backend timeline.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-88hqOBegFLM7CTuS5iG-OHFw9dvdBai
I did post a public statement on X outlining my channel's history, my Google Takeout evidence, and a request for a manual human review, tagging @TeamYouTube. Direct support channels have stopped responding and provided no further details or review options.
Link to the post: https://x.com/dylanra60581217/status/2109345417385410617?s=46
Galanz Recall Problem
On July 7, 2026, I received a safety recall notice from Galanz regarding my refrigerator which I purchased from Home Depot on March 31, 2021.
I contacted the company to help me fix and prevent any potential issue that I have to deal with. I received the replacement parts at around Sept. 1, 2026 and a technician showed up in my home on Sept. 11, 2026 to do the repair.
Now, after the repair, my refrigerator is no longer cooling. The lights inside still turn on but the cooling system is completely shut off. I am stuck with a non-working refrigerator since Sept. 11, 2026 and I have been calling the Galanz company to resolve this issue.
After researching online, I have learned that I am not the only one who is experiencing the same issue.
What can I do to get this resolved as soon as possible?
You did what a recall notice asks. You called Galanz, waited for the parts and let its technician into your home. Now you’ve gone more than six weeks without a working refrigerator. That would wear me down, too. Your top priority is getting Galanz to send someone back to fix what its repair broke, or to replace the refrigerator.
Here’s where Galanz stands: On July 30, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Galanz announced the recall of about 121,680 retro refrigerators sold at Home Depot and on Amazon. Internal electrical parts can short-circuit and catch fire. The remedy Galanz promised is a free in-home repair by a qualified technician. A refrigerator that no longer cools hasn’t been repaired. I think that’s your strongest argument. Under its own recall, Galanz owes you a working appliance.
My advice would be to stop calling. Phone calls leave no record. Write one short, polite email to Galanz with a dated timeline: the recall notice on July 7, the parts arriving around Sept. 1, the technician’s visit on Sept. 11 and the cooling failure right after. Add the names of anyone you spoke with, any case numbers, your model number and the date code from the label on the back of the unit. Attach the photos you posted here. Then ask for one of two outcomes by a specific date, such as Nov. 6. Either a technician comes back and restores the cooling, or Galanz replaces the refrigerator. Ask the company to assign one person to your case. The CPSC notice lists Galanz’s recall email, [email protected]. Galanz also runs a recall website:
https://GalanzRetroFridgeRecall.expertinquiry.com
We don’t have executive contacts for Galanz on our site yet.
Send a copy to Home Depot. It did more than sell you the refrigerator. The CPSC lists Home Depot as one of the importers, which gives it a stake in how the recall is handled. Here are its executive contacts:
https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/home-depot/
In the same email, ask Galanz to cover the cost of spoiled food and a temporary refrigerator. Keep your receipts. In my experience, companies are more willing to reimburse documented expenses than general inconvenience. Until someone confirms the repair was done correctly, I’d keep the unit unplugged.
Next, tell the CPSC. The agency has a complaint form for recalls where the remedy isn’t working or the company isn’t responding. You’ll find the “Recall Complaint” link at the bottom of the recall notice above. Mention that you’ve seen other owners online describing the same failure. If there’s a pattern, the agency will want to hear about it.
If Galanz hasn’t fixed or replaced your refrigerator by your deadline, let us know.
My first post
Wow I just joined
Welcome!
Booking.com promised reimbursement, then gave me $12,107.00 in "travel credits".
A few weeks before San Diego Comic-Con, Booking.com canceled the reservation for lodging that I had made more than a year out. They were helpful and assured me in writing that if the original accommodation became unavailable, I could book a suitable alternative and they would “cover the price difference.” They explained the requirements, and I made sure to book an alternative property through the site that matched those specifications.
Concerned about the substantial expense during San Diego Comic-Con, I contacted Booking.com multiple times, making sure that the alternative property would qualify. Especially since properties this close to comic con were dramatically more expensive (an $12,107 specifically).
Booking.com confirmed they could “cover any price difference” and even specifically mentioned that they would process my “reimbursement” and instructed me to obtain a final, zero-balance hotel invoice after the stay to demonstrate full payment of. None of these emails stated that this repayment would be in the form of Booking.com travel credits.
Their own representative over the phone assured me that I would receive the repayment in direct deposit, cash payment. Yet once all was said and done, I was given repayment in the form of Booking.com credits. The customer service team maintains that there is nothing they can do to process the payment, despite confirming via email and phone that they could reimburse me.
I am seeking monetary reimbursement of the accommodation price difference that Booking.com repeatedly promised to cover, rather than travel credits. Can you help me identify and contact the appropriate executive or escalation team? I keep getting trapped within the Booking.com customer service loop, and I realize that this is an issue beyond the authority of most customer service representatives. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
I'm sorry to hear about this experience.
Typically, booking sites have a specific written policy explaining what they will provide when a property cancels a reservation. The available remedies may depend on whether the cancellation occurs in advance of the stay or at the time of check-in.
Booking sites may also have more control over reservations at independent properties than they do over bookings involving commercial properties, such as hotels and resorts. In those situations, the property's cancellation policy and the terms of the reservation may ultimately determine what the booking site can offer.
Booking.com's published terms do not appear to provide a specific policy addressing how it handles property cancellations beyond its obligation to refund prepaid amounts.
That said, if Booking.com specifically promised in writing that it would cover the difference between your original reservation and the replacement accommodations, you should hold the company to that commitment. When a company makes an exception to its published policy or terms, it is always important to obtain that commitment in writing. Verbal promises can be difficult to establish or enforce and generally will not override written terms unless there is sufficient evidence that the company agreed to modify them.
In our experience, Booking.com may offer a credit for the difference in some circumstances involving commercial properties, particularly when the company has limited control over the property's cancellation. However, the specific circumstances of your case may warrant an appeal for a cash refund rather than a credit.
I recommend appealing the matter to Booking.com's executive customer service team. We list the company's executive contacts on our website. Start with the primary contact and, if necessary, continue up the chain one person at a time, giving each an opportunity to review the matter and provide the resolution you are seeking.
https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/booking-com/
If you are unable to resolve the matter and you have a written promise from Booking.com confirming that it would provide a cash refund for the difference, we may be able to assist with a help request. If the promise was made only verbally, however, our ability to mediate the matter would likely be limited. In that situation, you may need to consider small claims court, where a judge could determine whether a binding agreement existed and whether Booking.com is obligated to honor it.
I hope this information is helpful, and please let us know the final outcome.
KIA Finance Horrible Customer Care- I can't get my car registration, unable to drive.
Back on July 25th. I gained back possession of my KIA and paid all necessary fees. Then went to Central FL to get my car from KIA's holding location in Central FL on August 14th. I am going to fast forward to the issue with the registration. I was driving on September 17th; my license plate expires 9/26. The office pulled me over and stated that my license plate expired on my birthday, 9/15 (I know he was being dramatic). I made an appointment to the DMV on my day off on October 2nd to get my registration, I was then told that they do not show any registration in the FL DSMV system in my name. I gave them my car VIN#. They advised me that Hyundai AKA KIA America is the only owner on the title and that this change was made on August 11th. I called KIA Finance on Oct 2nd to resolve the issue, and I was bounced around for about 3 hours from Customer Care to Collections to Reinstatement and then Consumer Affairs. No one seemed to car that my car had been sitting with no registration and I am not able to drive. I called multiple times, every day and spoke with representatives that told me that they couldn't help. Finally, 2 weeks ago, I thought there was light at the end of the tunnel, I spoke to a supervisor names Alejandra who advised me she was opening a case and sending me title paperwork in the mail. I never received anything but a KIA Statement. I called and spoke with another supervisor, Samira, she told me that a case was open but someone from the Care Team was supposed to contact me on next steps (didn't happen, until Monday 10/19) and she would mail me a notarized letter to take to the DMV, well that never happened either. Monday, October 19th, Anais with the Care Team called me and stated that the reason that FL DSMV system does not have registration for me is because they never moved the title back under my name once I gained back possession of my car. I already knew this and have explained this over and over. NO one emailed me back or called me until Monday. She stated I would have to sign documents and send back so the title team can add my name back to the title. I asked her if this form can be emailed due to the fact that I have spent countless amount of money renting cars on Turo because I can't drive my car legally, this has caused a tremendous financial strain. She said, she will ask and let me know. I also inquired about compensation for the Turo rental cars I have had to rent due to their negligence and error. She also mentions she will request if that is possible and for me to email her my rental car receipts. I emailed her the receipts immediately. Again, no response or acknowledgement. I called Anais today, and she checked her notes and said there were no updates, and they are not able to do anything about me having to pay for other forms of transportation. She said she will escalate the case so my name can be added to the title. I thought this would've been escalated after you heard my concern from Monday and that I need to be able to drive my car. I expressed this and it seems like there is no concern. I finally reached out to KIA Corporate and spoke to Courtney today; she was no help because she says KIA Finance has to resolve this matter. This issue is making me physical sick. I am tired and coming to the end of my funds. I can't continue to rent a car, but I have to work. I work 45 to 50 minutes from my home.
I am sorry you are going through this ordeal. When you say you 'gained back possession' of the car, had it been repossessed? If so, it's possible that once repossessed, Kia legally changed the title to the car. You need to stop calling and start communicating in writing so that you can establish a paper trail of who told you what, and when. Kia Customer Care is correct in that Kia Finance must resolve as they are currently the legal owners of the vehicle. Elliott.org has company contacts available on their site, and Kia Finance can be found here: https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/kia-finance-america-customer-service-contacts/.
Start by emailing a concise summary of the issue and what has happened to date to the first contact on the list. If they don't respond after a week, move to the second contact. Bullet points are a great way to keep it on point and easy to understand. Don't add anything extra...the fact that you have had to spend money renting cars during this time is irrelevant to the real issue of getting your name back on the title. If the car was, in fact, repossessed for unpaid monies, it isn't Kia's fault and they likely won't accept any responsibility or work any faster to resolve. Be polite but persistent and hopefully in a short period of time, this can get resolved
received the refurbished phone instead of new one
On 14 October 2026, I purchased a Redmi Note 13 5G from Amazon, which was advertised and sold to me as a brand-new device. After opening the package and starting the setup process, I noticed a vertical line appearing on the side of the display. I immediately contacted Amazon regarding the issue, and as advised by them, I visited an authorized Xiaomi service center for inspection.
At the service center, I was informed that the device was registered as a refurbished phone and not a new device as represented at the time of purchase. Due to the device being identified as refurbished, the service center informed me that they could not process the replacement under the 10-day replacement policy applicable to new devices.
I immediately raised the issue with Amazon and informed them that I had received a refurbished device instead of a new one. After numerous calls, emails, and providing the required proof and details, Amazon finally initiated a return request. However, while the issue was still unresolved, the condition of the device deteriorated further. The display developed a major fault, the entire screen turned green, and the phone became completely non-operational.
The same issue was already communicated to Amazon customer support, including the fact that the display was not working. Despite this, when the pickup was scheduled, the delivery executive arrived on the pickup date but refused to accept the device, stating that the screen was not working. This condition had already been disclosed to Amazon, yet the pickup was denied. As a result, the defective device is still in my possession, and Amazon has failed to complete the return process or provide any resolution.
Amazon has supplied me with a refurbished and defective device while representing it as a new product and has failed to resolve my complaint despite repeated follow-ups, calls, emails, and submission of evidence. This amounts to an unfair trade practice, deficiency in service, and sale of a defective product. Due to this, I have suffered financial loss, inconvenience, mental harassment, and loss of trust as a consumer.
can someone please advise me what I can do to get this issue resolved.
Opening a “new” phone and finding a line on the screen is bad enough. Learning from the service center that it’s a refurbished unit is worse. Then getting turned away at pickup for the very defect you reported? That would test anyone’s patience (mine, too!).
Your first priority is getting this complaint in writing to someone at Amazon who has the authority to fix it, not another call center agent.
Before you write, ask the Xiaomi service center for a written job sheet or inspection report showing the phone was registered as refurbished. In my opinion, that’s your strongest piece of evidence. Pull your Amazon invoice too. It’ll show whether Amazon or a third-party seller sold you the phone. If it was a seller, include it in your complaint.
Under India’s Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, every e-commerce platform has to appoint a grievance officer. That officer must acknowledge your complaint within 48 hours and resolve it within one month. Amazon.in has to display the grievance officer’s name and contact details on its site. Look for them in the help section or the “Conditions of Use” pages.
Stop calling customer service. Write one short, polite email to the grievance officer. Include a dated timeline: the Oct. 14 purchase, the service center visit, the return request, the screen failure and the refused pickup. Add your order number, any case numbers and the names of agents you spoke with. Attach the service center report and photos of the green screen. Then ask for one specific outcome. You probably want a full refund. Ask Amazon to arrange a pickup that accepts a non-working phone or to issue the refund without one. Ask Amazon to assign one person to your case.
If you don’t get a meaningful response, file a grievance with the National Consumer Helpline. It’s free. You can call 1915, send a WhatsApp message to 8800001915 or file online.
https://consumerhelpline.gov.in
The helpline reports that e-commerce complaints make up the largest share of its refund cases. It’s a well-worn path for problems like yours.
If that fails, you can take Amazon to your District Consumer Commission. Filing is free for claims up to 5 lakh rupees. You can file online yourself without a lawyer.
About the refused pickup: delivery staff often work from a checklist that rejects any phone that won’t power on, even when the return is for exactly that problem. That explains what happened. It doesn’t excuse Amazon for scheduling a pickup it knew would fail.
Unknown Verizon Bill Cost Me Over 150 Credit Score Points
In May 2026, I moved to a new home and, somewhere in the process, an outstanding Verizon Home Internet balance slipped through the cracks. I wasn’t aware that I owed anything. I received no calls or emails notifying me of a past-due balance, and the last bill Verizon says it sent was mailed to my old address on July 24.
I had arranged USPS mail forwarding, but the people living at my previous address later told me they hadn’t seen any Verizon mail. I was also out of the country for work from May through September, which made it even harder to discover what was happening.
When I finally learned about the outstanding balance, I paid it in full immediately. I thought that would resolve the issue. Instead, I discovered that Verizon had reported negative information to my credit report, and my credit score dropped significantly and I will have that negative collection on my report for 7 years.
I’ve spent considerable time trying to resolve this. I’ve contacted customer service multiple times, attempted to escalate the issue, and filed an FCC complaint. Verizon’s Executive Relations team reviewed my request for a goodwill deletion but declined, explaining that I was responsible for updating my address and that the company had followed its procedures.
I understand that I had a responsibility to update my account information. I also understand that paying a debt doesn’t automatically erase accurate negative credit reporting. What has been frustrating is how difficult it has been to get a clear explanation of the original charges, the timeline of the account, and the information Verizon reported to the credit bureaus.
I’ve been directed to Verizon’s Recovery team for those details, but I still haven’t been able to get the answers I need. Now I’m seeking help from Elliott Advocacy and exploring other executive-level contacts in hopes of getting a thorough review.
I’m not asking to avoid a legitimate bill. I paid it as soon as I learned about it. I’m asking for a fair review of the circumstances and consideration of the long-term consequences of a credit report entry that has already caused a significant drop in my score. I continue to get told that it’s Verizon’s policy and they can’t do anything about it.
This experience has been a frustrating reminder of how quickly a seemingly small billing issue can turn into a much bigger financial problem.
Priceline and Delta Keep Sending Me Back and Forth — Seeking Goodwill Cash Refund for 3 Tickets
My family booked a Thanksgiving vacation package to New York City through Priceline for three travelers, totaling $5,151.14, including hotel fees.
Due to an unexpected change in our traveling party, we decided to drive rather than fly. We’re keeping our hotel reservation.
On October 19, I canceled our outbound American Airlines flights through Priceline and received approximately $700 back. However, the app wouldn’t allow me to cancel our three Delta Main Classic return tickets because their free-cancellation deadline had expired October 18.
I contacted Priceline on October 20, just two days after the deadline, requesting a one-time goodwill cash refund exception.
Priceline sent me to Delta. Delta said Priceline had to handle the request because it issued the booking. I called Priceline again and spoke with a supervisor named Jesper who repeated the cancellation policy and referred me right back to Delta.
I understand the tickets are ordinarily nonrefundable, and I’m not claiming an automatic right to a refund. My concern is that nobody could tell me whether an actual goodwill waiver request had been submitted or whether someone authorized to consider exceptions had reviewed our situation. He said he was as far in the chain as I could go.
I’ve now submitted complaints to the Priceline Legsl Department, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Delta Customer Care. I also have a Priceline customer service case number and have contacted Elliott Advocacy.
I’m hoping someone here can advise me on three questions:
Is there a Priceline corporate customer relations or ticketing escalation department that can request a goodwill cash refund waiver from Delta?
Is there a way to determine whether Priceline actually submitted a waiver request?
How can I pursue a cash refund without risking the remaining value of the tickets before departure?
We are not seeking a hotel refund or cancellation. Our request concerns only the three unused Delta return tickets.
I’d appreciate any guidance from advocates who have experience resolving third-party airline booking disputes.
Alvita,
I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you've been having with this situation.
Priceline should not simply be directing you to Delta for assistance, as Priceline is aware that airlines generally require the ticketing agency to service tickets it issued. Ultimately, Priceline should be able to tell you whether a refund, waiver, or other exception is available under the circumstances.
We are not aware of any general requirement or policy that obligates a booking agent to request a waiver from an airline. In most cases, the booking agency is bound by the applicable fare rules as well as the terms of its agreement with the airline. It is also possible that Priceline is only permitted to request certain types of waivers, such as those involving the death of a passenger or a serious medical condition that prevents travel.
Based on our experience, airlines rarely approve refunds of nonrefundable tickets as a goodwill exception, and those exceptions can be even more difficult to obtain when the tickets were purchased through a third-party booking site. Depending on the fare rules, however, each passenger may be able to retain the value of the ticket as a credit toward a future flight, typically within one year of the original ticket's purchase date. The airline may also require that any rebooking be handled by the original ticketing agent.
At this point, you can try making a polite, concise appeal to Priceline's executives and explain the resolution you are seeking. The best approach is to begin with the primary contact listed on our website and then work your way up the executive contact list one person at a time, giving each person an opportunity to review your situation and respond.
While there is no guarantee that Priceline will make the exception or be able to request a waiver, but this gives you the best opportunity to advocate for yourself and have the matter considered at the appropriate level:
https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/priceline/
If the tickets are not eligible for a credit but are changeable, you may also want to consider changing the flight dates before departure so that you do not forfeit the value of the tickets. Keep in mind that, in most cases, you would be responsible for any applicable fare difference and change fees.
I hope this information is helpful, and I wish you the best in resolving this with Priceline.
Kia stopped responding after Theta II engine replacement. How do I get goodwill trade assistance?
Hi everyone,
I’m hoping for advice from anyone who has dealt with Kia America’s escalations team or gotten goodwill assistance from Kia.
I bought my 2018 Kia Optima new. In February 2026, it had an engine/powertrain computer reprogramming, and then it needed a Theta II engine replacement under warranty. The car was at the dealership from August 8 until the end of September, nearly two months. When I picked it up on October 9, it felt shaky on the drive home, and since October 11 it has had a new, unfamiliar smell. My family no longer feels safe driving it, so we’re borrowing a relative’s car for now.
An attorney reviewed my situation and declined the case because of the lemon law’s statute of limitations, so I’m working directly with Kia.
Kia escalated my case on October 9. I followed up by phone and email on October 13, then emailed Kia’s Consumer Affairs office on October 15. No one from the escalations team has contacted me, and I haven’t been given a timeline.
What I’m hoping for: I’d like to stay with Kia and buy the 2026 K4 I was driving as a service loaner. KBB values my Optima at $5,285, and I owe $3,354, but the dealership’s trade-in offer was far below KBB and would leave me underwater. I’ve asked Kia for goodwill trade assistance toward the K4.
My questions:
Has anyone received goodwill or trade assistance from Kia after a Theta II engine replacement? What did they offer, and how long did it take?
Is there a better contact or approach for getting Kia’s escalations team to respond?
Any tips for getting a fair trade-in value from the dealer?
Thank you for any advice.
Hi Christopher,
Thank you for your advice on my Kia case. I’m sending an update because the situation with my 2018 Optima has gotten worse.
This evening, I found the car leaking an opaque, milky tan fluid in my garage. This is in addition to the shaking I noticed on the drive home on October 9 and the unfamiliar smell that started on October 11. The engine was replaced under the Theta II warranty and the car was returned to me less than two weeks ago. We have stopped driving it completely.
Following your suggestion, I emailed Kia’s Executive Director of Consumer Affairs on today, October 21 with a dated timeline, asked for a single point of contact, and requested a response by November 4. I’m now also asking Kia to tow the car to a dealer for a warranty diagnosis and to provide a loaner while it’s repaired, as the settlement calls for.
Here is the updated timeline:
February 2026: Engine/powertrain computer reprogramming
August 8, 2026: Dropped off at Kia of Cerritos for a Theta II engine replacement
September 29, 2026: Repair invoice shows the vehicle was ready
October 9, 2026: Picked up the vehicle; it felt shaky on the drive home
October 11, 2026: New, unfamiliar smell began
October 21, 2026: Opaque tan fluid leaking in my garage
I’d appreciate any guidance on getting Kia to arrange the tow and loaner quickly. If Kia doesn’t respond, would Elliott Advocacy be willing to contact them on my behalf?
Edited Thursday
I asked Xfinity for a simple internet change. I lost my 20-year phone number
What started as a simple request to change my Xfinity internet plan turned into a nightmare with two carriers. Xfinity wouldn’t let me make the change online and kept redirecting me to call or chat. When I did, reps hard-sold me on an Xfinity Mobile plan and then pushed an Apple Watch plan before they would process my internet change. After I switched my phone to Xfinity Mobile, they told me my number had been ported from AT&T. Relying on that, I canceled my AT&T service several days later, only to learn the port had never happened. AT&T then told me my number, which I’ve had for 20 years, had been “destroyed,” even though federal rules require carriers to hold disconnected numbers for at least 45 days before reassigning them. I’ve since spent more than 20 hours on the phone with AT&T trying to reinstate it. Every transfer and every new call meant repeating my whole story and resending the same information. They ran seven “soft” credit checks on me and sent me to their fraud department, where I had to answer questions about my relatives’ addresses to prove who I was. On my last call, when they couldn’t complete the activation, they pressured me into deleting every eSIM on my phone, including my Xfinity one. It still didn’t work. Now my phone has no service while I wait for a physical SIM card, and when I asked how to get my Xfinity service restored, AT&T told me to call Xfinity. I’ve filed an FCC complaint and formal Notices of Dispute with both companies, but no one should have to go through this to keep their own phone number.
Does anyone have advice on what to do next?
This is one of the worst number-porting stories I’ve heard, and I’ve heard plenty of them. Your first priority is getting that 20-year number back before time runs out. Everything else can wait.
You’re right about the aging rule. The FCC requires carriers to keep a disconnected number out of circulation for at least 45 days before reassigning it. “Destroyed” isn’t a status I recognize. It’s more likely the number is sitting in AT&T’s aging pool, which means AT&T can still reinstate it if you push now. Count the days from your AT&T cancellation. If you’re still inside that window, put your request in writing today and ask AT&T to confirm, in writing, the number’s current status and the date it becomes eligible for reassignment. A disconnected number generally can’t be ported. AT&T has to restore it first. Once it does, Xfinity can port it over.
Stop calling the front lines. 20 hours of phone calls have gotten you a deleted eSIM and seven credit checks. Write one short, polite email with a dated timeline of what happened, the names of the reps you spoke with and any case numbers. Then ask for two specific outcomes: reinstate the number and complete the port to Xfinity. Send it to the executive contacts for AT&T.
https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/att-executive-customer-contacts/
Here are the Xfinity contacts:
https://www.elliott.org/company-contacts/comcast/.
Ask each company to assign one person to your case so you don’t have to tell your story again. Xfinity owns a big piece of this. Its reps told you the port was done when it wasn’t, and you canceled AT&T because you believed them. Say that clearly in your email.
For your phone service in the meantime, contact Xfinity Mobile directly and ask it to reissue your eSIM. In the past, Xfinity Mobile has offered eSIM activation through its app, which may be faster than waiting for a physical SIM. Don’t let AT&T’s “call Xfinity” brush-off slow you down. You’d have to do that anyway.
Your FCC complaint was a smart move. Carriers have to respond to those, and the answers often come from an executive-level team. Add a short update to your complaint describing the deleted eSIM and the loss of service. That keeps the record current. Your Notices of Dispute preserve your right to arbitration or small claims court later, so keep copies of everything.
About the fraud questions and credit checks: carriers have tightened identity checks in recent years because of SIM-swap scams, which is probably why AT&T grilled you about your relatives’ addresses. That explains the questioning. It doesn’t excuse the runaround.
If you don’t hear back within a week, or if you get close to the end of that 45-day window, let us know.
Request for a review and recovery of my instagram account
My account was disabled for age restrictions (Australian Under 16 laws) despite meeting the requirements at the time my account was disabled - DOB: 27/11/2008
I then waiting until the 13th of october for the date my account was set to be restored, yet this hasn't been processed and I can reactivate my account.
I have email the Instagram officials linked on the BACKCHANNEL account a few days ago and have used all of the other methods of contacting instagram.
I would appreciate any help.
Thanks
Henry
Losing an account you’ve had for years is frustrating, especially when you followed the rules (it would drive me up the wall, too). Elliott Advocacy can’t reinstate disabled accounts on Instagram or any other platform. We don’t have that kind of access. Wish we did!
You still have options, though, and I can tell you what I’d do next.
Start with your birth date. If you were born Nov. 27, 2008, you turned 17 a couple of weeks before Australia’s social media minimum age law took effect on Dec. 10, 2025. The law applies to Australians under 16, so you were old enough to keep your account. It sounds like Meta’s system flagged you by mistake. Meta has removed hundreds of thousands of Instagram accounts in Australia under the law. Errors like yours aren’t rare.
Meta’s official fix for users 16 and older who were locked out by mistake is an age check through its partner, Yoti. You can use a video selfie or a government-issued ID. If you already tried the selfie and it didn’t work, try again with an ID. A passport or learner permit with your photo and birth date is the strongest proof you have. Yoti estimates age from facial features, and a 17-year-old can easily read as younger. I used to have that problem, but not anymore. Australia’s eSafety commissioner lists Instagram’s age-check links here:
Next, write one short, polite email to Instagram. Include your username, your date of birth, the date your account was disabled and a dated list of every appeal you’ve sent. If Instagram told you in writing that your account would be restored Oct. 13, attach a screenshot. I think that’s your best evidence, because it shows Meta already considered you eligible. Ask for one outcome: restore the account now that your age is confirmed. Keep it to a few paragraphs. Long emails tend to get skimmed.
You can also tell the eSafety commissioner what happened. It oversees how platforms enforce the age law. It has received hundreds of public submissions about the rollout. I wouldn’t expect it to restore your account, but older teens getting locked out by mistake is a problem regulators should hear about.
While you wait, download a copy of your photos and messages if Instagram lets you. That way you won’t lose them if this drags on.
If you haven’t heard from Instagram within two weeks of sending your email, let us know. I’d also like to hear from other members in Australia who’ve been through this.
Request for a review and recovery of my instagram account
Instagram suspended/dusabled my instagram account.
Username - @krv_suryansh2009
I just want to request a review of my instagram account. My account does follow all the community standards of instagram but by mistake my account got suspended. Please take a look over it and reactivate my account.
Phone number - 8234094405
Email address- [email protected]
Jayesh,
Take a look at the response to this post:
https://www.elliottconfidential.com/community/posts/01a125a5-aa06-7230-9dfa-b24efa9a1dfb
American Express: Will the Centurion Turn to Face You When You Need Help?
I booked a non-refundable hotel reservation through Accor’s official website. However, the confirmation email had a completely blank “Cancellation Policy” field, with no statement that the booking was non-refundable.
I contacted Credit Saison, the Japanese issuer of my American Express-branded card, and requested a chargeback review under reason code C31.
C31 covers goods or services that differ from their description. Under this process, merchants may be required to provide evidence that the cardholder agreed to the relevant terms.
I was requesting a review under American Express’s chargeback rules, not asking Credit Saison to negotiate a refund with the hotel.
I believed chargebacks were a shield designed to protect consumers. But in my case, the fact that my card was issued by a third-party company became a barrier to reaching that protection.
Ultimately, no formal chargeback was ever submitted to the American Express network, and American Express itself never reviewed my dispute for chargeback eligibility.
Here is what happened.
Credit Saison initially told me that chargebacks were possible only for unauthorized transactions or promised refunds that had not been processed.
My request was rejected before my evidence was examined. I had to insist repeatedly just to obtain an email address where I could submit my documents.
When I demanded to speak with the chargeback department, Credit Saison called me back and questioned me in detail about the blank cancellation policy.
If only those two categories were eligible, why was such a detailed inquiry necessary?
The explanations kept changing.
I was first told that an “Amex desk” had been consulted. It turned out to be a department within Credit Saison, not American Express itself.
After I contacted American Express directly, Amex communicated with Credit Saison about my case.
Credit Saison then told me that Amex had reviewed the matter and instructed Credit Saison to contact me, followed by the conclusion that my case was not eligible for a chargeback.
This gave the impression that American Express itself had decided whether my case qualified for a chargeback.
Only after detailed questioning did Credit Saison clarify that Amex had not made that decision. Credit Saison had determined internally, under its own procedures, that my case did not qualify under C31.
Credit Saison provided no specific reason for its C31 decision, either verbally or in writing. My request for written clarification of who made the decision and on what grounds was refused.
Credit Saison maintained that its decision was based on American Express’s chargeback rules.
Meanwhile, in its October 8 written response, American Express stated that individual chargeback decisions are made by the card issuer, and declined to disclose details of the issuer’s procedures.
The issuer points to Amex’s rules. Amex points to the issuer’s responsibility for individual decisions. Yet neither has explained the specific grounds for refusing to submit my dispute for a chargeback.
I therefore submitted a formal written inquiry to Credit Saison’s risk management and audit departments.
On October 16, its customer service department replied:
“After reviewing the call records and the history of our handling of this matter, we concluded that the entire process was conducted in accordance with our internal rules.”
(Translated from Credit Saison’s Japanese letter.)
Even after reviewing the call records, Credit Saison maintained that its overall handling—including explanations that could lead a cardholder to believe Amex had made the decision—complied with its internal rules.
The response did not clarify whether its audit department had conducted an independent review.
I am not arguing that every disputed transaction should result in a refund.
Why must consumers fight just to have their evidence considered—and still be denied a clear explanation of why their dispute never reached the American Express network?
If this is how the process operates, how clearly are consumers informed about the authority and discretion of third-party card issuers? Do we truly understand how much control an issuer has over whether our disputes ever reach the American Express network?
An American Express-branded card carries the Centurion.
But when you need its protection, will the Centurion turn to face you—or keep looking the other way?
I'm not sure you will receive much of an explanation from the card provider beyond the fact that, based on the circumstances, you do not appear to have grounds for a refund. By filing a chargeback, you are essentially asking the card provider to reverse a transaction that you authorized, even though you agreed to the booking's nonrefundable terms.
The industry has a term for situations in which a cardholder disputes a legitimate transaction after having authorized it and agreed to the applicable terms: “friendly fraud.” While that term may sound harsh, it generally refers to a legitimate transaction that is later challenged through the chargeback process. There can also be costs to the merchant, and potentially to the card provider, depending on how the chargeback is handled.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friendly_fraud
Given these circumstances, I don't believe it is likely that you would be able to obtain the outcome you are seeking, even if we were involved.
Edited Tuesday
Join BACKCHANNEL Community
A private community for Elliott Confidential members. We help you solve consumer problems and beat bad customer service.
