FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions that come with identity theft, credit report errors, background check errors, insurance, insurance claims, and other problems caused by inaccurate consumer data.

At Rapp Law Firm, we focus on issues covered by federal laws, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA, and Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA).

If inaccurate information has affected your credit, employment, housing, or bank account, you may have legal rights, even if the mistake wasn’t intentional. Reach out to Rapp Law Firm if you have furher questions on consumer rights or insurance claims.

Consumer Data Errors & Identity Theft

What Types Of Cases Does Rapp Law Firm Handle?

Rapp Law Firm represents people harmed by inaccurate or mishandled data. This includes identity theft, mixed credit files, incorrect background checks, wrongful debt collection, and unauthorized bank transactions.

What Is The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?

The FCRA is a federal law that requires consumer reporting agencies to report accurate information and fix errors when notified. It applies to credit bureaus, employment screening companies, tenant screening services, and background check providers.

What Is A “Mixed File” Or Data Mix-Up?

A mixed file happens when information belonging to someone else appears on your report. This can occur due to similar names, Social Security numbers, addresses, or poor matching systems.

Can Background Check Errors Affect My Job Or Housing?

Yes. Incorrect background reports can lead to denied jobs, lost promotions, or rejected housing applications.

What If I Was Denied A Job Or Apartment Due To Incorrect Information?

Employers and landlords must follow the law too. If they pulled your data, and then denied you, they have to let you know what they found if they looked at it at all. THEN – they have to give you a chance to correct bad data on you.

What Is The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)?

The FDCPA protects people from unfair or abusive debt collection practices, especially when collectors pursue the wrong person.

What Is The Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA)?

The EFTA protects people from unauthorized electronic transactions, such as debit card fraud or unauthorized withdrawals.

Do I Need To Prove Identity Theft To Have A Case?

No. You need to tell them the info is wrong. It is on the companies to prove it is you that owes it. That is where Rapp Law Firm comes in. We have the knowledge of the legal system and will make them do a real investigation as to how this information was linked to you.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Depending on the violation, you may be entitled to actual damages, statutory damages, attorney’s fees, and in some cases punitive damages.

Is There A Cost To Speak With Your Firm?

We offer free evaluation to determine whether your rights may have been violated.

Insurance

What Types Of Insurance Problems Does Rapp Law Firm Help With?

We help homeowners when insurance companies deny claims, underpay for repairs, delay decisions, or otherwise fail to honor the policy. This includes lowball estimates, missing items on the work orders, gross depreciation (discounts $$ for age), and refusal to approve necessary work.

When Should You Contact A Lawyer About An Insurance Claim?

If an insurance company denies your claim, offers you far less than the real cost of repairs, or keeps delaying without clear answers, it’s time to speak with a lawyer. You don’t have to wait until a claim is fully denied — early legal involvement can often prevent bigger problems later.

Does Rapp Law Firm Work With Home Improvement Contractors?

Yes. We regularly work alongside contractors, roofers, and restoration professionals. Contractors refer clients to us when an insurance company is standing in the way of proper repairs or fair payment. We don’t compete with contractors — we support them by making sure the project is funded correctly.

Will Hiring A Lawyer Slow Down The Project?

Our goal is to resolve disputes efficiently so repairs can move forward without unnecessary obstacles. When insurance companies know a lawyer is involved, delays often stop and communication improves.

Do You Take Over Communication With The Insurance Company?

Yes. Once we’re involved, we handle communication with the insurer regarding coverage disputes, payment issues, and delays. This takes pressure off the homeowner and prevents contractors from being pulled into insurance arguments.

Can You Help If The Insurance Company Already Paid Something?

Absolutely. If an insurance company sends you a check, that doesn’t mean it’s all you deserve. We review what was paid versus what should have been paid under the policy. Many of the cases we work on involve partial payments or underpayments. Rapp Law Firm makes sure you get the correct amount.

What Is “Bad Faith” Insurance Conduct?

Bad faith occurs when an insurance company acts unfairly or dishonestly — such as ignoring evidence, misrepresenting coverage, unreasonably delaying decisions, or putting profits ahead of policy obligations. When this happens, the law is on your side.

Does This Affect The Contractor’s Relationship With The Homeowner?

In a positive way. When the insurance dispute is handled by legal counsel, contractors can focus on the work instead of uncomfortable payment conversations. Everyone’s role becomes clearer — and the job moves forward more smoothly.

Is There A Cost For An Initial Consultation?

No. We offer an initial evaluation so homeowners can understand whether their claim is being mishandled and what options may be available — without upfront cost.

What Types Of Projects Do These Disputes Usually Involve?

Our disputes aren’t limited, but we usually see damage to roofs, siding and gutters. If that is not an exact fit, don’t let that stop you from reaching out.

Why Shouldn’t Contractors Fight The Insurance Company Themselves?

Contractors aren’t paid to argue with billion-dollar insurance companies — and doing so can delay projects and payments. Legal advocacy shifts that burden to professionals whose job is to enforce the policy and hold insurance companies accountable.

How Do We Get Started?

If you’re a homeowner dealing with insurance issues — or a contractor with a stuck project — contact us for an evaluation. We’ll review the situation, explain your options in plain language, and outline the next steps.