When they get it wrong,
we make it right.
We represent consumers against credit bureaus, debt collectors, creditors, lenders, loan servicers, debt buyers, background check companies, banks, and telemarketers who violate the law.
At zero out-of-pocket cost to you.
† No out-of-pocket fees for most consumer protection cases under fee-shifting statutes. Exposed to misconduct? You may be entitled to significant statutory damages under federal law.
About Our Firm
Dedicated Consumer Protection Advocates
Rausa Russo Law, PLLC is a consumer protection law firm headquartered in White Plains, New York. We represent consumers who have been harmed by credit reporting errors, abusive debt collectors, illegal robocalls, identity theft, and other violations of consumer protection law. We bring cases in New York courts and work with local counsel when matters require it.
Our attorneys have dedicated their careers to fighting for consumers against large corporations, credit bureaus, and debt collectors. We understand the stress and frustration these issues cause, and we know how to resolve them.
Most of our cases are handled on a fee-shifting or contingency basis, meaning you typically pay nothing out of pocket. Fee arrangements vary by case type and are detailed in your retainer agreement. Our mission is simple: hold companies accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Carl Rausa, Esq.
PartnerCarl earned his J.D. from the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University and his B.A. in Political Science from James Madison University. Following law school, he was appointed Principal Law Clerk to the Honorable Judge Schillari Rich of the New Jersey Superior Court. He concentrates his practice on consumer protection litigation and also advises on business formation, contracts, and intellectual property. A seasoned negotiator, Carl provides clients with the advantage of an attorney who comprehends more than just the legal implications, anticipating the real-world challenges and decisions facing today's consumers and businesses.
Patrick Russo, Esq.
PartnerPatrick earned his J.D. on a full merit scholarship from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University, where he served as an editor of the Journal of International Business and Law. He also holds a Master of Arts in Biological Sciences from Binghamton University and is a registered patent agent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He represents clients across a broad range of consumer protection, transactional, and intellectual property matters. Patrick's scientific training and analytical background bring a level of precision and rigor to every case he handles that benefits his clients.
Practice Areas
Federal Consumer Protection Law
We handle cases under the major federal consumer protection statutes. If your rights have been violated, you may be entitled to significant compensation, at no cost to you.
Credit Reporting Errors
FCRA • 15 U.S.C. § 1681Errors on your credit report can cost you loans, jobs, and housing. Under the FCRA, credit bureaus and furnishers must investigate and correct inaccurate information. If they fail, you may be entitled to damages.
Background Check Errors
FCRA • 15 U.S.C. § 1681A wrong criminal record, misattributed charges, or outdated information on your background check can cost you a job offer. The FCRA requires accuracy and gives you the right to dispute errors.
Debt Collection Harassment
FDCPA • 15 U.S.C. § 1692Debt collectors cannot harass, threaten, or deceive you. The FDCPA sets strict limits on when and how they can contact you. Violations can result in statutory damages of $1,000+ per case.
Unwanted Robocalls & Texts
TCPA • 47 U.S.C. § 227Companies that call or text you without consent using autodialed or prerecorded messages may owe you $500–$1,500 per call or text under the TCPA. We help consumers fight back.
Identity Theft Recovery
FCRA • 15 U.S.C. § 1681If someone opened accounts in your name and the credit bureaus or creditors refuse to fix it, you have rights under the FCRA. We help victims of identity theft clean up their credit and recover damages.
Unauthorized Bank Debits
EFTA, 15 U.S.C. 1693If money was taken from your bank account without authorization, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act protects you. We pursue claims against banks and financial institutions that fail to investigate or reverse unauthorized transactions.
Business Formation & Entity Structuring
LLC, Corp, PartnershipStarting a business requires the right legal structure from day one. We advise on entity formation, operating agreements, partnership structures, and corporate governance to protect your interests and position your business for growth.
Contracts & Commercial Transactions
Commercial LawFrom vendor agreements to employment contracts, every business relationship depends on well-drafted documents. We review, draft, and negotiate contracts that protect your interests and minimize risk.
Real Estate Transactions
Residential & CommercialWhether you are buying your first home, selling commercial property, or navigating a co-op board approval, we handle every aspect of your real estate transaction from contract to closing.
Intellectual Property
USPTO, Copyright OfficeYour brand, creative work, and inventions deserve protection. We handle trademark registration, copyright applications, and patent prosecution through the USPTO to safeguard your intellectual property.
New York Lemon Law
NY Gen. Bus. Law Art. 11-AIf you purchased or leased a vehicle in New York that has recurring defects the dealer cannot fix, the Lemon Law may entitle you to a refund or replacement. We help consumers hold manufacturers accountable.
Credit Card Billing Errors
FCBA • 15 U.S.C. § 1666If your credit card statement contains unauthorized charges, billing errors, or charges for goods not delivered, the Fair Credit Billing Act requires your card issuer to investigate and resolve the dispute. Failure to follow the required procedures can result in liability.
Truth in Lending Violations
TILA • 15 U.S.C. § 1601The Truth in Lending Act requires lenders to clearly disclose loan terms, interest rates, and fees before you sign. When lenders hide costs, misrepresent rates, or fail to make required disclosures, you may have a claim for damages and attorney’s fees.
Credit Discrimination
ECOA • 15 U.S.C. § 1691The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or because you receive public assistance. Violations can result in actual and punitive damages up to $10,000.
Deceptive Business Practices
NY GBL §§ 349/350New York General Business Law 349 and 350 prohibit deceptive acts and false advertising. These statutes provide a broad private right of action for consumers harmed by misleading business practices, with treble damages available up to $1,000 plus attorney’s fees.
Mortgage Servicing Errors
RESPA • 12 U.S.C. § 2601The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act requires mortgage servicers to handle your account properly. When servicers misapply payments, fail to respond to qualified written requests, or charge unauthorized fees, you may be entitled to actual and statutory damages.
Bankruptcy Protection
Chapter 7 & Chapter 13When debt becomes overwhelming, bankruptcy can provide a genuine fresh start. We stop creditor harassment, wage garnishments, and foreclosure through the automatic stay protection.
Student Loan Disputes
Servicer Errors & CollectionsStudent loan servicers make mistakes that harm borrowers: misapplied payments, incorrect PSLF counts, credit reporting errors, and illegal collection tactics. We hold them accountable under the same federal statutes that protect all consumers.
Why Choose Us
The Rausa Russo Difference
Our approach prioritizes efficient resolution through strategic negotiation, backed by the willingness to litigate when necessary. Every client works directly with a founding partner from consultation to resolution.
Zero Out-of-Pocket Fees†
For most consumer protection cases, fee-shifting statutes require the defendant to pay our fees when we prevail. Fee arrangements may vary by case type. See full fee disclosure.
We May Be Able to Help
It does not matter where you are located. When a credit bureau or debt collector violates your rights, we can often bring your case in New York courts. For matters that call for local counsel, we work with trusted attorneys in your area.
Experienced Advocates
Over a thousand cases resolved through negotiation and litigation. Our settle-first, litigate-when-necessary approach has produced consistent results for our clients.
Direct Partner Access
No associates, no paralegals running your case. You work directly with Carl Rausa or Patrick Russo from start to finish.
24/7 Availability
We understand that legal emergencies don’t follow business hours. Reach us anytime by phone, email, or through our contact form.
Comprehensive Strategy
We don’t just file lawsuits. We help you dispute errors, rebuild credit, and develop a long-term strategy for protecting your rights.
Client Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from real clients who trusted us with their consumer protection cases.
“Your service is outstanding. Excellent work. Your firm solved my problem in no time. I would recommend them to anyone who needs help with a consumer protection issue.”
“I’m truly impressed with your dedication and efficiency. I wish I would’ve known about your firm earlier! They kept me informed throughout the entire process and delivered a great result.”
“Rausa Russo Law has been incredible to work with. Patrick Russo cares about his clients. He exceeded all of my expectations, and did it with timeliness and professionalism. I’m proud to refer my family and friends to Rausa Russo Law. Thank you for your excellence.”
“Your professionalism and speed are truly incredible. I hope more people discover this service! They made a stressful process as smooth as it could possibly be.”
“Rausa Russo Law was extremely helpful every step of the way! I didn’t know obtaining a copyright could be so easy! They were professional, responsive, and straightforward from start to finish.”
“I had a debt collector calling me constantly over a debt that was not even mine. Carl handled it quickly and efficiently. The calls stopped and I received compensation. I cannot thank this firm enough.”
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Individual results vary based on the facts and circumstances of each case. These testimonials are from actual former clients. No compensation was provided.
The Consumer Shield
Your Consumer Protection Starts Here
The Consumer Shield is our newsletter and resource center. We monitor the CFPB, FTC, state attorneys general, and federal courts so you do not have to. New editions every few days, plus in-depth guides written by our attorneys.
The Consumer Shield
The Week in Consumer Protection
We distill the latest from federal agencies, court decisions, and state AG actions into plain language. No jargon. No cost. Straight to your inbox.
No spam. No tracking. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy
Guides from Our Attorneys
How to Dispute Errors on Your Credit Report
A step-by-step guide to disputing inaccurate information under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
5 Things Debt Collectors Cannot Legally Do
Debt collectors are prohibited from using threats, deception, and other abusive tactics under the FDCPA. Know what they cannot do.
Robocalls and Spam Texts: Your Rights Under the TCPA
Companies calling or texting without consent may owe you $500 to $1,500 per violation under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Spam Email: Your Rights Under the CAN-SPAM Act
The CAN-SPAM Act sets federal rules for commercial email. Learn the 7 requirements, penalties, and how to report violations.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft
A guide to recovering from identity theft: filing disputes, placing fraud alerts, and pursuing legal action under the FCRA.
Denied a Job Due to a Background Check Error?
If inaccurate information in a background check cost you a job opportunity, you may have a claim under the FCRA.
Understanding Your Rights Under Federal Law
An overview of the major federal consumer protection statutes and how they protect you in everyday life.
Sued for a Debt? Understanding Your Options
If you have been served with a debt lawsuit, do not ignore it. Learn about your rights, deadlines, and available defenses.
What to Do When a Bank Freezes Your Account
Your bank froze your account or processed unauthorized transactions. Learn your rights under the Electronic Fund Transfer Act.
Protecting Your IP as a Small Business
A practical guide to patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets for small business owners.
Attorney Admissions
Your Rights Were Violated.
We Fight to Hold Them Accountable.
Federal consumer protection laws exist for a reason. If your credit report is wrong, a debt collector harassed you, or you’re drowning in robocalls -you may have the right to compensation.
No out-of-pocket fees for most consumer protection cases. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This is attorney advertising.
Contact Us
Get Your Free Case Review
Think your rights have been violated? Tell us what happened and we’ll review your case for free. No obligation, no out-of-pocket fees.
Office Hours
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: Closed
24/7 emergency line available
Thank You!
Your message has been sent. We will review your case and contact you within one business day. If your matter is urgent, please call us at (914) 809-0179.