I’m giving away signed copies of “Scammed” — want one?

Get this book now.
Good morning! It’s the start of my spring fundraiser, and I just received a box of books from my publisher. Time to give a few away! Become an underwriter at any level today, and I’ll send you a signed copy of my book Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals, while supplies last. Here’s some information about becoming an underwriter. Make sure you include a current address when you sign up.

It’s been an incredibly busy week on the front lines of customer advocacy. Among the highlights: My Mint.com story about six devious pricing tricks business play on customers, my Newsweek story on America’s financial illiteracy, and my Washington Post column about gag clauses for online reviews.

Today’s issue of Elliott’s E-Mail is brought to you by one of our longest-running underwriters, Cheapflights.com. It offers the widest range of deals on airline tickets, and it stands behind its product with excellent customer service.

Also:

• Check out my National Geographic Traveler column on flying with pets. I have an exclusive interview with my cats. No, seriously, I do!

• Is the TSA coming for your iPad? It might be, as I explain in my Huffington Post column. But is it a sign of an incompetent agency?

• The travel industry loves hyperbole. I dissect some of its slick marketing language in my Newsweek essay on the topic.

• I have lots of fascinating posts, too. Did Princess offer this couple enough compensation? And is this offer a scam? Should I mediate the case of a honeymooner who suffered a panic attack and lost her vacation? And is codesharing lying?

Phew! I told you I’ve been busy. And next week is going to be even crazier, because we’re driving across the country for our Away is Home family travel blog. Be sure you’re following us on Facebook for the very latest!



  • Tinkerbellmarie

    I would like a copy of your book “Scammed”, but I think that the link is not working.  How do I do this

  • Tinkerbellmarie

    Got it working!  Thanks!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Mike-Suddarth/1271715028 Mike Suddarth

    Sounds good!  Sign me up.

  • Jasper Nijdam

    Is it giving when you ask something on return? That’s buying in my book. Or … a scam …

  • Jasper Nijdam

    Is it giving when you ask something on return? That’s buying in my book. Or … a scam …

  • http://elliott.org Christopher Elliott

    To clarify, there are no strings attached, and I’ve already sent several copies to readers who just asked for a book without becoming an underwriter. But certainly, I would welcome the support.

  • 219kimrod

    Chris,
    I have to agree with Jasper and I’m really disappointed to have to make a comment – this offer should either say something to the effect of “sign up as a supporter and receive a free book” or else have a link to obtain the book without having to send money.  Your leader says you are giving something away but then takes the reader to a site where one must contribute money to receive the ‘give away.’  Not up to you previously very high standards.

  • Jasper Nijdam

     @ Chris: Your article above says: “Become an underwriter at any level today, and I’ll send you a signed copy of my book”. That implies you need to donate, and hence a quid pro quo.

    There is nothing wrong with that, and I do not think you are trying to scam people. However, I am making the point because it shows how easy it is – even with honest intentions – to write a phrase that can be interpreted in multiple, some less honest, ways.