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The good, the bad, and the ugly - discover what customers are saying about United Steel Building

Welcome to our customer reviews and complaints page for United Steel Building. We understand that making informed decisions about where to invest your time and money can be challenging, which is why we've created this platform for our community to share their honest feedback about their experiences with United Steel Building.

On this page, you'll find a comprehensive collection of reviews and complaints from real customers who have used United Steel Building's products or services. Our reviews are authentic and unbiased, providing you with a complete picture of the company, its products or services, and their customer service.

Whether you're considering doing business with United Steel Building, or you've already had an experience with them, our community's reviews and complaints will give you a valuable perspective on what to expect. Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and money, and we hope that our platform will be a valuable resource for you.

Please feel free to browse our reviews and complaints and share your own experience with United Steel Building. Your feedback is an important part of our community and will help others make informed decisions.

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5:20 am EST
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United Steel Building Takes Your Money..... Then nothing

Received a phone call at 6am in the morning after inquiring about a steel building. Was told they have a distributor going out of business and have a building in stock for a reduced price. Not knowing prices on any buildings I was told that this would be a steel of a deal and agreed to go ahead. Received an email with their sales contract that was barley legible and did notice that page 2 was missing and inquired about it and was told it's just more boiler plate standard stuff. I insisted that the second page be sent and after signing on continued to insist. I have never received a second page to which they refer to on a paragraph by paragraph basis when it suits them. Bottom line they got into my credit card before I could stop them and any calls to them end up with dead silence or if I call from another phone I am put through to someone's voice mail with no return calls ever. THESE PEOPLE HAVE NO MORALS OR SENSE OF HONESTY AND INTEGRITY and are DOWNRIGHT CRIMINALS IN THE WAY THEY DO BUSINESS... IS THIS THE WAY AMERICA IS HEADED?

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CliffC1
Palm Harbor, US
Dec 07, 2010 4:24 pm EST

I filled out a web inquiry this week and got a call from the same SOB telling me the same exact story about a distributor going out of business due to a forced medical retirement. The SOB wouldn't listen to me at all, all I wanted was a quote for a freakin building to my specs. He wanted to know my budget, etc. so he can try to manipulate me, I wouldn't go for giving him info he didn't need and he hung up on me. These people are crooks on the prowl, DO NOT WASTE your time! BEWARE!

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United Steel Building Took Money did not recieve building

I have paid this company a large amount of money and was PROMISED a building. I have called and left messages, now the number has been disconnected. I would like to know what action I can take to get my money back.
Thank you for any assistance...

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Burned in SC
Charleston, US
Sep 07, 2010 8:06 am EDT
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Go to:
unitedsteelbuildingscam.webs.com
for more info and updates
Please sign the guestbook and provide some basic info for others. Thanks.

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United Steel Building Took money and got no building

Initial Quote was not the end qoute witch was much higher. Gave them final payment to begin construction in July 2009 and have not heard from them since. Tried several times to call them with no return calls and did not receive any letters from them for any reason for the delay. My building permit runs out next month and I just want my money back because I do not trust the company in any way!

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United Steel Building Phone Harassment

I received so many calls the last two or three months from [protected]. This number is to United Steel in the Fort Lauderdale Florida area.

I made a mistake of filling out an on-line form for a free estimate approx. Nov 2009, and have been harassed by telephone ever since. They have an extremely aggressive sales staff. A building just the size I am looking for is ready for a small deposit. They can deliver in six months if I like with a small 25% deposit.

Just this morning I received a call at 11:00am, and two more at 11:02am. This is ever couple days or so. I am so glass I found this web page and noticed similar problems. Money was never sent to them, thank GOD.

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junglecat
Tallahassee, US
Dec 14, 2010 2:31 am EST

I also filled out an on line form for an estimate - high pressure sale, buy today for deal, now they call occasionally, but tonight they called at 9:30 and blew a whistle in my ear after asking for me by name. I tried calling back and they hung up on me. What to do -police?

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Jeffsyardcare
Greene, US
Mar 28, 2010 1:27 pm EDT

Call the Police department and make a phone harassment complaint with them. Where you live first. Give the Officer the information as to how to reach these loosers. If they do not do anything, call the PD in their home town. Phone harassment is a CRIME.

Jeff Parshall Greene Maine

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Mike in Austin
Liberty hill , US
Mar 27, 2010 11:16 am EDT

Two years ago I called these guys because I was in the market for a building and spoke to someone who gave me a high pressure sales pitch. Not being experienced with metal buildings it still sounded too good to be true. I finally backed out (no money paid) and went with a site built barn instead. Told them I had already built another building and that I was no longer in the market. Thought that I wouldn't hear from them again. I was so wrong.

About 6 months later they started calling every day. When I told them to stop calling, they started calling twice a day. They stopped for a while because I threatened to sue for harassment. Then they started calling at 7:00am on Saturday mornings. Imagine how I felt about that.

Recently I had a shouting match with one of their loser phone reps and yelled "hang up" at him for 2 minutes before he finally gave up.

This morning they called at 10am.

How does one get them to stop without filing a suit?

-Mike

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We were rushed to sign a contract to take advantage of a quote without being told by signing said contract, we agreed to Terms and Conditions which were, according to our lawyer, ridiculous. Prices are NOT secured, timelines were not followed, and they are currently not able to determine the status of our building despite telling us in August it was in fabrication.

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UPDATE... Do not rely on BBB to verify if a business is reputable. If USB is any indicator... BBB ratings are way off. My negative complaint actually improved USB's rating. Dozens of unsettled complaints and rating improves? BBB has also been made aware of questionable practices, current litigation, and other ongoing activities but has not listed those on...

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United Steel Building took money, didn't deliver building

BEWARE: UNITED STEEL BUILDING

Do not conduct business with United Steel Building. This company will take your money, and not provide any satisfactory goods or services.

http://www.unitedsteelbuilding.com/

I attempted to purchase a building from United Steel Building about a year ago. I sent them a set of drawings and specifications, and they sent me a price quote for this building. I paid them the required deposit of $8, 585.46 so they would provide me the final engineering drawings for the building. Since that time, I have only received a completely useless set of drawings for a building which cannot physically be built. The plans are full of obvious mistakes. For example, the measurements are inconsistent from page to page (sometimes even on the same page).

United Steel Building has requested that I pay more money because they say they bid the job wrong. I have tried to resolve this with them to no avail. At this point, United Steel Building will not return my deposit; they will not supply me with working engineering drawings, nor will they deliver the building they bid, at the price they bid it.

They have also tried to charge me an additional $5, 400 for canceling the job, which I have not done.

I live in the state of Hawaii and short of going to court in Florida (the home state of the company) I have no recourse.

I have called the Florida State Attorney General, Better Business Bureau and the Fort Lauderdale Sheriff’s office. None of these agencies were of any help.

The company’s information:

United Steel Building
2700 West Cypress Creek Rd
Ft Lauderdale, Florida, 33309

Phone: [protected]
Fax: [protected]

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Burned in SC
Charleston, US
Apr 04, 2010 8:00 am EDT
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I agree. When the [censored] hits the fan, these guys are going to scramble and hide. Every man for himself. I hope the authorities don't stop at Knote & Zimmerman. Rachlin, Podlas, Alder, and Ketabi should be nailed to the wall as well. Berlowitz should be never be allowed to practice law in any state, he's a rat too.

I can comprehend ripping people off for big money, its called greed. But why work for someone and rip people off for wages only? Do you think Jack and the others were part of a profit sharing scheme? Knowing Knote & Zimmerman, I'm sure the 'staff" at USB didn't get payed very well and probably got jammed up at the end.

AG should have issued a 'cease & desist' months ago. Next, seize Willy & Howards's house and holdings, sell 'em on the open market, and almost everyone could get their money back...with damages. The rest should be considered for fraud charges as well, not just assessories...they will claim "we were only employees" without a doubt.

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David Pop1111
, US
Apr 03, 2010 12:53 pm EDT
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I was ripped off $3500 by the crumbs at USB. Trust me...what comes around goes around. I feel so bad for all of you that have lost major amounts of money.

STEEL PRICE INCREASE
FAKE PRINTS
HIDING BEHIND FLORIDA'S LACK OF FRAUD LAWS
ABSOLUTE ZERO PROFESSIONALISM
JACK JACK JACK JACK...DO THINK ZIMMY BOY IS GONNA COVER YOUR ### WHEN IT ALL GOES DOWN?

GOLDEN RULE HUH?...UH...RE YOU SURE YOU KNOW WHAT THAT RULE ACTUALLY IS?

HAHAHAH
DAVID AKA...'RAPED IN CT BY USB'
EAST HAVEN, CT

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Marcus Whitfield
Austin, US
Feb 03, 2010 7:05 pm EST

There is a reporter in Florida who is chasing these guys! Eme with THE SCOOP has apparently made some progress with getting money back for some people. She is also pursuing the individuals WILLIAM KNOTE, HOWARD ZIMMMERMAN, and others for Fraud under the FDUPTA laws. These guys need to go to jail. I was told they are currently operating another metal building company called SUPERSTEEL! Stay away from these terrible people! Here is a link to THE SCOOP http://www.v1-p.com/unitedsteel.html These guys, along with their attorney Jeffrey Berlowitz, have been deceiving folks for more than two years. I originally contracted to purchase a $37, 000 building in February of 2008 and immediately made a deposit of $15, 000 (more than required). A year later, I was still trying to take delivery of the building, and they sued me giving no legitimate reason for the lawsuit! It was their attempt to use the Broward County courts to "WIN BY DEFAULT". I am in Texas, so I was forced to hire a Florida Attorney for another $5, 000 who managed to get the case DISMISSED, but getting a building or even some portion of my deposit back never happened. I have heard that almost 50 people were victims of this scam and the Florida Attorney General Office has still not opened an "Official Investigation" as of Feb. 2nd

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MASK MARRODO
FORTLAURDALE, US
Nov 03, 2009 6:36 pm EST

Contact FBI ICU3 unit file complaint Call IRS Call [protected] Yankee Boy stole your money call him that is his number. File theif by taking in your state Names Mr. WilliAM kNUTE AND mR. HOWARD ZIMMERMAN ARE THE GENTLEMEN THAT GOT YOU MONEY. new web site soon

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chris mc from nc
Greensboro, US
Oct 29, 2009 10:10 am EDT

At least Im not as big idiot as thought seems lots of others have been scamed.We sent 7500 to start and recieved as set of totaly useless drawings.Then was told to make changes and send back.Then asked to send another $10, 000 for half down and building would be started and shipped.After 2 months we finally got thru to someone.Was told building couldn't be shipped because we didnt sign some paper giving permission to start.Stupid me I thought a check for 10 grand was permission.
After singing all documents we where told nothing would be shipped without the other half of cost.Unforfunately this is where we started to realy investigate these people and found this site.I called them and said I would hand deliver check and follow my building back to NC.Was then told they shipp from another state.My banker called and told them he would hand deliver a certified check to the driver when building was delivered.Again a no shipping till paid in full.
we have sence contacted state attourney general, and comissioner of consumer affairs.What did we get in return"Sorry nothing we can do"

Chris M NC

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Burned in SC
Charleston, US
Apr 11, 2009 8:49 am EDT
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Dave- Sorry for your troubles, the same thing happened to me and dozens of others. Please contact me. My info is in your message board.

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10:12 am EDT
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United Steel Building Intentional Misinformation

I was pricing buildings in November 08. United Steel Buiding contacted me stating that they had a building that had been done for Circuit City that was close to the size I was looking for. I was told that, since the building was already fabricated, it would be shipped by January.

From that point, we have been given delivery dates for January, February, March, April and now July. We have paid out over $20, 000 to date and have been told that the deposits are non-refundable and that the sales people lie.

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PJR
Richmond, US
Jan 05, 2009 3:18 pm EST
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Ordered a building in March, '08. Sent fabrication payment July 7 after a price increase. Received email in Aug. '08 asking for fax of final payment check. Delivery would be about 4 weeks after receiving the fax. It was mid Sept. before I could get the check and faxed it about Sept. 23 '08.

I waited until end of Nov. and sent a status request email to the originator of the original email ( Melissa Moonilal ). Reply stated since I had taken so long to get the chack faxed to the my building had been pushed back a bit. I had been 2 months since they received the fax. She would contact me when they were ready to ship.

I sent another email today ( 1-5-09 ) which has gone unanswered.

I guess it is time to complaining. I feel I heve been very patient.

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Pappy
,
Oct 23, 2008 8:27 pm EDT

After further review I have checked with many reliable sources and tradesman in the steel industry and it seems that the price of steel skyrocketed out of control somtime early spring and lasted through the summer caused only by the same type of greed that we see in the oil and gas industry. The unfortunate part is it not only hurt the end user but also many other stand up companies, employess, and families. These same sources informed me the facts that the actual fabrication plants got slammed by the high demand of overseas countries like China who were willing to pay top dollar for the steel coils because the US dollar was at an all time low. This caused them to get greedy and inflate the price to the loyal companies like United Steel Building. With projects in the pipeline ready to send over, the factories told them what was quoted 2-6 months ago would cost 30-60% more to fabricate now. With the only options of going out of business causing many projects to go undelivered and layoff employees hoping to put food on the table for their families they decided to fight through it absorbing much of the cost and asking the customer to help by covering the remainder. At that point it goes to the contract, which in every steel companies terms states it is the customers responsiblity to pay the increase if steel rises. If you don't believe me ask any company for their terms and conditions and you will find it somewhere. The thing is it is a clause they say they pray that they never have to use. It happend for a brief period in 2017, but nothing like this one that just passed. United Steel Building and the others are given a bad name for doing the right thing, sticking it out so that people can have jobs, and now are fighting back to regain their reputation as a solid company. It makes sense because any complaints I see on the BBB are from 2 months during the summer. Before that, nothing. The irony is with the foreign companies slowing their ordering because of the world's economy, the fabricating companies are now dropping their prices back to the levels of the beginning of the year in hope that with the help of getting companies like United Steel Building to honor the original contract prices of the customers that they have, the fabricating companies will not go belly up themselves. Good for you United Steel Building for being American!

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Marcus Whitfield
Austin, US
Feb 03, 2010 7:04 pm EST

There is a reporter in Florida who is chasing these guys! Eme with THE SCOOP has apparently made some progress with getting money back for some people. She is also pursuing the individuals WILLIAM KNOTE, HOWARD ZIMMMERMAN, and others for Fraud under the FDUPTA laws. These guys need to go to jail. I was told they are currently operating another metal building company called SUPERSTEEL! Stay away from these terrible people! Here is a link to THE SCOOP http://www.v1-p.com/unitedsteel.html These guys, along with their attorney Jeffrey Berlowitz, have been deceiving folks for more than two years. I originally contracted to purchase a $37, 000 building in February of 2017 and immediately made a deposit of $15, 000 (more than required). A year later, I was still trying to take delivery of the building, and they sued me giving no legitimate reason for the lawsuit! It was their attempt to use the Broward County courts to "WIN BY DEFAULT". I am in Texas, so I was forced to hire a Florida Attorney for another $5, 000 who managed to get the case DISMISSED, but getting a building or even some portion of my deposit back never happened. I have heard that almost 50 people were victims of this scam and the Florida Attorney General Office has still not opened an "Official Investigation" as of Feb. 2nd

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Marcus Whitfield
Austin, US
Feb 03, 2010 7:03 pm EST

There is a reporter in Florida who is chasing these guys! Eme with THE SCOOP has apparently made some progress with getting money back for some people. She is also pursuing the individuals WILLIAM KNOTE, HOWARD ZIMMMERMAN, and others for Fraud under the FDUPTA laws. These guys need to go to jail. I was told they are currently operating another metal building company called SUPERSTEEL! Stay away from these terrible people! Here is a link to THE SCOOP http://www.v1-p.com/unitedsteel.html These guys, along with their attorney Jeffrey Berlowitz, have been deceiving folks for more than two years. I originally contracted to purchase a $37, 000 building in February of 2017 and immediately made a deposit of $15, 000 (more than required). A year later, I was still trying to take delivery of the building, and they sued me giving no legitimate reason for the lawsuit! It was their attempt to use the Broward County courts to "WIN BY DEFAULT". I am in Texas, so I was forced to hire a Florida Attorney for another $5, 000 who managed to get the case DISMISSED, but getting a building or even some portion of my deposit back never happened. I have heard that almost 50 people were victims of this scam and the Florida Attorney General Office has still not opened an "Official Investigation" as of Feb. 2nd

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Marcus Whitfield
Austin, US
Feb 03, 2010 7:02 pm EST

There is a reporter in Florida who is chasing these guys! Eme with THE SCOOP has apparently made some progress with getting money back for some people. She is also pursuing the individuals WILLIAM KNOTE, HOWARD ZIMMMERMAN, and others for Fraud under the FDUPTA laws. These guys need to go to jail. I was told they are currently operating another metal building company called SUPERSTEEL! Stay away from these terrible people! Here is a link to THE SCOOP http://www.v1-p.com/unitedsteel.html These guys, along with their attorney Jeffrey Berlowitz, have been deceiving folks for more than two years. I originally contracted to purchase a $37, 000 building in February of 2017 and immediately made a deposit of $15, 000 (more than required). A year later, I was still trying to take delivery of the building, and they sued me giving no legitimate reason for the lawsuit! It was their attempt to use the Broward County courts to "WIN BY DEFAULT". I am in Texas, so I was forced to hire a Florida Attorney for another $5, 000 who managed to get the case DISMISSED, but getting a building or even some portion of my deposit back never happened. I have heard that almost 50 people were victims of this scam and the Florida Attorney General Office has still not opened an "Official Investigation" as of Feb. 2nd

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jstarr
Kingman, US
Jan 06, 2010 8:55 pm EST

Have you tried to file a complaint with the board of contractors? If so what was the outcome?

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yankeelover
Boca Roton, US
Oct 23, 2009 3:10 pm EDT

Nice Guy call the Broward County Consumer Affairs these guys love USB Call Broward County Sherriffs Dept file a complaint these guys will try to convence you to get a lawyer they do not want to help either Call the FCC file a complaint copntact Federal Trade Commision would like to hear from FBI ICU3 unit may help

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niceguy1
Adairsville, US
Oct 16, 2009 3:22 pm EDT

I have also been told the same story.

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Pappysbrother
st petersburg, US
Oct 03, 2009 5:59 pm EDT

Put up a web site FIGHT THEM. David

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Burned in SC
Charleston, US
Sep 27, 2009 4:08 pm EDT
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Pappy is slap happy.

USB is no loyal or well meaning company.
Any honest company WILL lock in your price for 30-90 days. The contract commits both you and them. USB sneaks around this by issuing "revisions" or simply disregarding initial quote. It is not like the fabricator has to go shopping for materials once your order hits the floor. Price is based on the going rate at the time of execution.

USB not only scams you once by claiming to be a primary supplier/fabricator and takes a deposit. They hit you again and again with change orders and price increases. Because: one, your building has yet to be engineered(they sub it to outside engineers); two, they have no production facilities or materials and are at the mercy of fabricators who have not yet comitted to your building...when and if your building ever goes into production; and lastly, USB makes far more money taking your deposit, sending you bogus plans, hitting you up with additional costs, and then renegging on the deal. What are you gonna do? Sue them in Florida? They know this, and target out of state buyers. All the complaintants posting are from other states.

I now buy nothing from Florida. The state seems to foster scam artists, theives, and every other sort of lowlife, especially Broward County. I hope hurricane season targets Ft. Lauderdale and zeroes in on Jack Rachlin's house.

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12:35 am EST
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United Steel Building Fraud

BEWARE!

This company will take your money and give you nothing of value.
Same as the other complaints...forwarded 25% deposit to "lock in price" May 2008, and promply received prelim. plans, standard computer drafts of a building with my footprint. Included were Terms & Conditions. I immediately informed them that these were completely unacceptable and I would not sign and if I was expected to do so they could refund all monies immediately. DON'T SIGN ANYTHING, YOU WILL BE SORRY. I didn't sign T & C (or prelim. plans). After a couple days Jack Rachlin responded to my complaints without addressing any of my concerns specifically. The plans were so wrong it was easier to send them a scale drawing with several pages of specific requirements and detailed notes I had given them before they quoted my "final price".

I have received nothing else but requests for more money. The first request was for 50% deposit on some accessories( which I had been informed peviously as unavailable). The second for approx. 20% of the total building price for structural changes as a result of "being quoted incorrectly from the beginning" as stated by Jack Rachlin. These request are labeled "Revision Orders" beginning "as per your request". DON'T SIGN IT, IT IS A TRICK! I never requested changes, as it wasn't right on the first set of plans. After the first revision order, Jack Rachlin stated after alot of negotiation that he would make any further changes at his expense. LIE. No changes have been made. No plans have been sent out. No money has been returned. Instead, I received an Order Cancellation form stating, in short, if I signed, they will keep my money but not sue me for the remainder! So much for 6 week delivery time, my watch says 6 months...

Do not believe anything sales rep Bob Marks tells you. Chances are it is false. More LIES! USB is not the Engineer of Record as I was informed. USB does not include footing plans with Building as I was told(they claim to provide this service if you are willing to give them more $$$ which you may never see again). After several requests, USB will only state that drawings are state stamped. What state? As the building is drawn it is unlikely any certified and state registered engineer would sign of on the garbage plans I received.

"BAIT & SWITCH" plain and simple. You tell them what you want, sent a deposit, you get something else. To lure you closer to your building they EXTORT you for more $$$s. If you send more, you will get more requests for addition $$$s. USB's attorney will not even respond. Maybe some rats do know shame.

FRAUD complaints filed with the Florida State Att'y General have been forwarded to the Broward County Consumer Protection Board via the State Board of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. A roundabout process since Broward County told me to file the complaint with the State at the start. No word yet. Keep your fingers crossed.

If you have been burned by USB, continue to call all the above Florida State entities daily, as well as, the Federal Trade Commission(file a formal written complaint...IMPORTANT), and your State consumer affairs Dept.(they can issue a 'beware' flag to any inquiries concerning USB.

If you are considering buying a steel building excercise extreme caution, there are other companies similar to USB. I looked at one contract that actually had a waiver of rights to file a fraud complaint in their T & C's.

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Update by Burned in SC
May 25, 2010 4:57 pm EDT

Go to:
unitedsteelbuildingscam.webs.com
for the latest...
FBI is investigating criminal charges and Florida AG is supposedly investigating for "unfair trade practices"
Contact info is at the site above.

Update by Burned in SC
Nov 05, 2009 9:08 am EST

Check out another website devoted to USB...
http://unitedsteelbuildingscam.webs.com/

Update by Burned in SC
Apr 09, 2009 6:44 am EDT

You are not the only one. Contact me regarding your situation. I have left info at your complaintsboard.com message box. Also, an open invitation to any one who has been ripped-off by or is currently having problems with USB, to join my group on this site, titled "United Steel Building SCAM victims". I'd like to get your contact info, basics of your case, and post any helpful info you may have.

Update by Burned in SC
Mar 17, 2009 8:33 am EDT

Comment by Frank Rizzo is obviously a ploy by USB to divert attention away from their questionable activities. Hey Frank, did you see the drawings and documentation provided, or were you a party to discussions regarding same? If you were...you work for USB. If not, you have no idea what you are talking about.

BBB is only an indicator of very recent activity. May '08 USB had a B- rating with 12 out-standing complaints. By September rating was a D. Now it is a B. Not very reliable. BBB only reflects complaints filed with them, not the Florida State Economic Crimes Division, for instance. Complaint status is assigned by BBB and may not reflect ongoing litigation, criminal investigation, etc., or other remedies available to a complaintant.

Call the Florida State Attorney General and other juristictional entities to inquire about USB and fraud. Then, ask yourself, why there are dozens of complaints on this site warning BUYER BEWARE!, Fraud. Bait & switch. etc.

You know why.

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david e. gentry
Comer, US
Oct 18, 2008 6:25 pm EDT

Take your money give you nothing. Cut and Dry

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Losing a lot!
Richland, US
May 25, 2010 3:17 pm EDT
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It is now almost the first of June how is this situtation going? Is it still not delievering it's product? Are they still scamming people? I am also a victim of this activity and have been wondering what my outcome is going to be?

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Marcus Whitfield
Austin, US
Feb 03, 2010 5:40 pm EST

There is a reporter in Florida who is chasing these guys! Eme with THE SCOOP has apparently made some progress with getting money back for some people. She is also pursuing the individuals WILLIAM KNOTE, HOWARD ZIMMMERMAN, and others for Fraud under the FDUPTA laws. These guys need to go to jail. I was told they are currently operating another metal building company called SUPERSTEEL! Stay away from these terrible people! Here is a link to THE SCOOP http://www.v1-p.com/unitedsteel.html These guys, along with their attorney Jeffrey Berlowitz, have been deceiving folks for more than two years. I originally contracted to purchase a $37, 000 building in February of 2008 and immediately made a deposit of $15, 000 (more than required). A year later, I was still trying to take delivery of the building, and they sued me giving no legitimate reason for the lawsuit! It was their attempt to use the Broward County courts to "WIN BY DEFAULT". I am in Texas, so I was forced to hire a Florida Attorney for another $5, 000 who managed to get the case DISMISSED, but getting a building or even some portion of my deposit back never happened. I have heard that almost 50 people were victims of this scam and the Florida Attorney General Office has still not opened an "Official Investigation" as of Feb. 2nd

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BEWARE stevens
taken, US
Nov 27, 2009 1:57 pm EST

The lawyers you deal with see you as a meal ticket also BEWARE !

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Allison Robertson
Earlysville, US
Nov 17, 2009 7:13 pm EST

United Steel Building charged me double the original price quoted and delivered my building in August 2009 (ordered Nov. 2008) and I am still waiting on the doors, for which I paid nearly $3, 000. They will not return my calls nor e-mails. I have requested a refund or immediate delivery. I am so concerned about their flagrant disregard and breach of contract, that I have decided to travel to Florida (several times if necessary) and hire an attorney as a public service . Allison Robertson

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franksboy
your town, US
Nov 02, 2009 12:30 pm EST

Hey got idea IRS needs money let us all turn them in you get 10% of what they retreive from them you know they are not paying taxes and they have to have false books. GET on board IF you can not get your money get that ###!

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Franks boy
bogo, US
Oct 17, 2009 2:31 pm EDT

Here is a number for you guys call this number let him know what you think. Remember NY yankees think if you are from the south you are a hillbilly. Call it regularly and often ask for Jonas or Louie real wise guy. He is part of USB. [protected]. CALL HIM !

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Pappysbrother
st petersburg, US
Oct 03, 2009 5:46 pm EDT

Well if you want to screw people you move to Flordia and get you a lawyer and you are in business. Boca Raton area is a good place for crooks to get together. These guys have stolen money from old people, churches, women with breast cancer and anyone that is insane enought to do business in Florida. Everyone needs to put up a web site. For $200.00 you can tell your story and help others save their money. Not many people see this everyone sees the web. Maybe the truth will starve them out.

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Marcus Whitfield
Austin, US
Sep 22, 2009 5:00 pm EDT

Jack, Myself an attorney Marc Faust agreed to pay for 100% of the building via Escrow and you guys still refused to honor our agreement.

THIS COMPANY IS TOTALLY INCOMPETENT. THEY TELL YOU LIES! TAKE YOUR MONEY AND THEN FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE BUYER (Even though their own contract specifies problems will be handled in mediation)!

I have been in the real estate business for 22 years and I have never encountered people who are just plain and simply CROOKS!

JACK- please take $3000 for "engineering fees" and return the remainder of my $15, 000 deposit!

I know 100's of people could file a FDUPTA claim against your company and the owners William and Theodore Knote and Howard Zimmerman personally!

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Marcus Whitfield
Austin, US
Sep 22, 2009 4:40 pm EDT

JACK, you and the owners of the company are crooks. You stole my $15, 000 and then filed a lawsuit against me! How can you possibly think that is ethical?

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United Steel Building False Advertising

United Steel Buildings advertised the could diliver a building in 5 weeks. I have been waiting for 5 months. But for $5, 000 more they can delever it much earler.

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Marcus Whitfield
Austin, US
Feb 03, 2010 7:02 pm EST

There is a reporter in Florida who is chasing these guys! Eme with THE SCOOP has apparently made some progress with getting money back for some people. She is also pursuing the individuals WILLIAM KNOTE, HOWARD ZIMMMERMAN, and others for Fraud under the FDUPTA laws. These guys need to go to jail. I was told they are currently operating another metal building company called SUPERSTEEL! Stay away from these terrible people! Here is a link to THE SCOOP http://www.v1-p.com/unitedsteel.html These guys, along with their attorney Jeffrey Berlowitz, have been deceiving folks for more than two years. I originally contracted to purchase a $37, 000 building in February of 2008 and immediately made a deposit of $15, 000 (more than required). A year later, I was still trying to take delivery of the building, and they sued me giving no legitimate reason for the lawsuit! It was their attempt to use the Broward County courts to "WIN BY DEFAULT". I am in Texas, so I was forced to hire a Florida Attorney for another $5, 000 who managed to get the case DISMISSED, but getting a building or even some portion of my deposit back never happened. I have heard that almost 50 people were victims of this scam and the Florida Attorney General Office has still not opened an "Official Investigation" as of Feb. 2nd

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hot in the city
LAS VEGAS, US
Aug 31, 2009 11:56 pm EDT

I had to wait 7 months before I got part of my order now its been 5 weeks and still waiting for the rest of the building so I can finish it. Was told it the rest of the order would arrive a week after the bulk of the building was delivered to me and paid for. They are very rude on the phone and will not return my calls anymore. Wish I would of read these complaints sooner as I surly would have found another company to deal with and they lie alot

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1:51 pm EST
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United Steel Building Bad Business Practices/Fraud

We saw the bad publicity and were thinking of using another company but Jack Racklin convinced us that it was just one unhappy customer out of 2000 happy ones. Well now we have given them $35000 dollars on a promise that we could inspect our merchandise before it was exported to the Bahamas and if all was not there we didn't have to pay until it was.
Imagine our surprise when immediately after they received a $25, 000 payment to start fabrication that we received an email from Jack stating that oh by the way export has to be paid in full before fabrication can begin. And yes you have 5 days to inspect the merchandise but that is after United Steel has 100% of their money so they can leave you hanging.
He then turned us over to Sue who says fabrication has not begun because they have not received full payment and we were promised our building by the end of September.
Now they say we have nothing in writing to confirm their promises and that if we cancel the contract they keep the money, even though we have received nothing but some details and elevations that could have been copied out of a book somewhere. There is not even a plan view of the building on the plans. Run from United Steel, they are very deceiptful people.

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Burned in SC
Charleston, US
Jun 09, 2010 7:06 am EDT
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At the time most people were scammed, BBB had less than a dozen complaints over a two year period. In addition BBB gave them a "B" rating.

BBB is completely unreliable. The site still has incorrect and misleading info after numerous attempts to have them correct listing.

The price quoted was in-line with other estimates, no red flag there. After dealing with a half dozen metal building outfits; Heritage, Ceco, Nucor, Rockford, USB...
All played games and for the most part showed signs of being untrustworthy or unreliable. Seems to be part of the deal.
The key is to get a contractor to commit to a price for the building and put him on the hook. If the supplier(or contractor) is local you have recourse. Otherwise, you are S O L.

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steel building guy
Parkland, US
Jun 07, 2010 11:47 am EDT

As a reputable and established metal building supplier for over 15 years with NO complaints, my heart goes out to all those who were scammed by these people. I have been warning prospects about this company for a very long time. Apparantly(I have seen many of their quotations) they have been selling buildings well below cost and then "bumping" the customer with change orders after the sale. It is amazing in this day and age that customers would not first research the company's reputation before sending a check. In this case it wouldn't really take much. Yes, I too heard about their latest venture. I hope they nail these telegangsters to the wall and make an example of them.

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Marcus Whitfield
Austin, US
Feb 03, 2010 5:34 pm EST

There is a reporter in Florida who is chasing these guys! Eme with THE SCOOP has apparently made some progress with getting money back for some people. She is also pursuing the individuals WILLIAM KNOTE, HOWARD ZIMMMERMAN, and others for Fraud under the FDUPTA laws. These guys need to go to jail. I was told they are currently operating another metal building company called SUPERSTEEL! Stay away from these terrible people! Here is a link to THE SCOOP http://www.v1-p.com/unitedsteel.html These guys, along with their attorney Jeffrey Berlowitz, have been deceiving folks for more than two years. I originally contracted to purchase a $37, 000 building in February of 2008 and immediately made a deposit of $15, 000 (more than required). A year later, I was still trying to take delivery of the building, and they sued me giving no legitimate reason for the lawsuit! It was their attempt to use the Broward County courts to "WIN BY DEFAULT". I am in Texas, so I was forced to hire a Florida Attorney for another $5, 000 who managed to get the case DISMISSED, but getting a building or even some portion of my deposit back never happened. I have heard that almost 50 people were victims of this scam and the Florida Attorney General Office has still not opened an "Official Investigation" as of today.

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jstarr
Kingman, US
Jan 06, 2010 8:51 pm EST

Has anyone recieved a call from USB saying they are going into bankruptcy and if you would still like to have your building finised?

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Vegasjoe
Pahrump, US
Dec 31, 2009 11:23 am EST

I seem to be in the proverbial boat without a paddle. I too am waiting for delivery on a building. I can't locate anyone in the company. I had a friend visit thier offices only to find them vacant. I checked with the Florida courts and can't find a bankrupcy filing. If you look on the Florida Secretary of State website you will find MORDECAI BUDNER listed as a corporate officer/contact person. His phone number is [protected] (listed on the website). You will also find WILLIAM KNOTE as another of the owner/officers. Good luck.

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roaddog
Fairplay, US
Dec 29, 2009 4:25 pm EST

I think they went under with their 500 buildings behind work load. Or so i was told by Melissa back in Augest. Their website is down and me and my lawyer must be on thier black list because we haven't been able to reach anybody since mid October...

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Burned in SC
Charleston, US
Sep 09, 2009 8:08 am EDT
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Have you made any progress? I have yet to hear of a complaintant receiving a building or attaining some satisfaction from USB.

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charles thomas
Highlands, US
Jan 13, 2009 1:48 pm EST

RUN! RUN! RUN! from Jack Racklin and any promise that might come out off his mouth AND his (supposed) supervisor, Melinda. I ordered a building that "was already built" except for the panels, that somebody ordered and didnt pick up. What a sucker I was. At the wonderful price of 5500.00 I could get a 20 x 30 x 10 metal building. The approval drawings were an up front charge of 1800.00. No problem, or so I thought. AFTER they get the approval drawings and the 1800 they contact me and say I HAVE TO HAVE a building with a 110 MPH wind load capacity. They say I have to have a letter from the county I live in to prove otherwise. We have no building codes for the county I live in. They know there isn't an engineer on the planet earth that will stick his neck on the line for this. I told them to prove to me I had to have it and where it was in the building code requirements on the website that the eng. dept. told me to send them. They said it was my responsibility to prove to them. First of all, I didn't ask for an upgrade, second, its not required, and third I signed the approval drawings for the building I wanted. I asked for my down payment (1800.00) back and they said it was nonrefundable. Now I ask you...IS THIS A SCAM OR What? Like I said at the beginning...RUN! RUN! RUN! from united steel building. How dare they tarnish Dan Marino's good name with their fraudulent practices.

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I PAID IN FULL! After I Paid in Full and Was Waiting for Delivery of My Building I Received a BILL For a %35 Percent Increase!!! THEY EVEN CHARGED ME FOR THEIR MISTAKE ON THE INITIAL DRAWINGS!!! When I Spoke With Them about my new bill (Seeing My Salesperson BOB Was No Where to EVER BE FOUND) I Was Told That EVERY TIME STEEL RISES IN PRICE I WOULD BE...

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