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This is a terrible company! Here is the rundown:
In 2005 they were named united steel factory, inc. 2700 w. Cypress creek road d104 ft. Lauderdale fl 33309 fei # [protected]...
On october 7, 2005 they changed their name to united steel building inc. Same address as above,
Now they are in the process of changing again to super steel building, the website doesn't have an address.
These people are slimy and slippery, their names are: mike sparks, deena gastel, sue alder, and jack racklin.
They owe me a rollup door and insulation for my building... The cost is $3, 000 I already paid them and they do not return calls. I had a guy go to their address and they have a sketchy buzzer at the locked door, no receptionist like a legitimate company would have. He asked to speak to sue and they said you need to have an appointment, and they refused to talk to him any longer...
You should all post your comments so it keeps others from getting scammed. I was really close to buying a building today till I did a little more research. They are trying to be smooth by listing several different websites that have the word complaint in it but it just says "There are virtually no Allied Steel buildings complaints because the product leaves nothing to be desired." This told me to do a little more research. People please list your complaints on several sites to the next consumer will have a chance to find a better place to buy from.
Mr. Jack Rachlin has found him another place to work TigerDirect. Go to Mr. Rachlins facebook page click on tigerdirect under his picture tell them what a great salesman he is. TigerDirect is out of Miami.
Anyone interested in a metal building needs to deal directly with the supplier. Go to the plant see the operation in your state. Micheal Lastner posted commits about United Steel Buildings in the past and yes he was part of them. My best advise is to stay out of Florida completely. If you want to go to the beach South Carolina, Alabama, North Carolina or even Georgia just stay out of Florida. Everything that comes from that state seams to be tainted.
The law means nothing if you are from out of state. The reason that crooks go to Florida is there is no extradition laws. So if you commit a crime in any state and go to Florida it is near impossible to get you out of there. Remember Tim Bundy that is why he was executed there Utah and other states could not get him out of there. Leave the state alone. buy nothing from there no oranges nothing. I too was taken by these people and still am in disbelief that someone can scam this kind of money and get away with it.
BEWARE! of Allied Steel Buildings
While I am not aware of any complaints...they are JUST brokers.
More importantly they do not have an Engineer as a corporate officer. This is required by Florida State law.
By not having an Engineer and advertising engineering services, they are in violation of State law, regardless of what state your building will be erected. It is called "line of liability". If something were to go wrong...you'd be up ### creek.
Allied would defer responsibility to whomever signed off on the plans. It wouldn't be their people. Problem...you paid Allied. That is why this law exists. Florida doesn't seem to care about this...and that is why United was able to steal $2 million. from customers. After being stung for $25K by United, I highly recommend buying in your home state.
FYI...President of Allied, Micheal Lastner(?) was a partner of United Steel Buildings early on. They were both located in the same office complex.
JImmie in Canada,
I would DEFINITELY WATCH OUT for Allied Steel Buildings. They are all brokers. It's amazing the amount of websites they have - with VERY expensive SEO efforts to cover up their business practices. When you do a search for Allied Steel and complaints, you will get a TON of sites about how they're NOT receiving complaints. Why would someone spend so much energy to say that they're not something? Maybe because they want to flood all of the legitimate complaints to the bottom of the search results?
They took our money too! $4600 I could never get ahold of anyone after they got our ck! And, Marie was who my husband spoke with every time...She called ALL THE TIME acting to be very helpful, until they got the ck & we have heard NOTHING ELSE!
So I am sure most of you have heard...both Zimmerman & Knote have filed PERSONAL bankruptcy claims. To my knowledge, neither USB or SSB have filed for bankruptcy...whatever that may mean. Rather, it appears both companies have been "dissolved". Some of their other biz are still active. This is what as known as a "tactical bankruptcy". It does not mean they are insolvent, only trying to protect personal assetts against pending action, either civil or criminal. FYI, both have $500K + homes...
The Broward County State Attorney's Office now has no record of these companies, I have been told possibly because cases were turned over to the State AG. This also means they are most likely NOT pursuing a criminal investigation or criminal charges. CALL and raise Hell! Florida Statute 471, Engineering w/o a licence besides FRAUD. Approx. 200 complaints...$1.25-2.5 million...where did it go? [protected]...ask for the Prosecutor.
As always...NO word from the FBI. CALL and raise Hell!
[protected]...Jon Ostermann or Pam Washington.
I don't what the heck happened with that message?
Jonathan Ostroman! that's the investigator on the case!
EVERYONE involved in this should call and bug them!
Thanks for any help
That guy needs to call the Miami FBI and report this to them!
I've spoken to them recently and they say this case is still under investigation. It seems useless at this point but if there still doin this bs maybe the Feds are actually doing there job and building a case on these guys. Anyhow, it doesn't hurt to try n help.
Tell this guy to call this number [protected]
Ask to speak with Jonathan
Of course he will get his voicemail but he needs to leave a detailed message including his contact info
After that he needs to call the same number and ask for Pam Washington
She might actually answer. Tell her your trying to get ahold of Jonathan Ostroman with VERY important info on the united steel building case regarding current involvement in there scam, and for her to let him know he's trying to get ahold of him. Also let her know because this happened so recently and he was unaware of the scam he needs to file a report and be added to the list!
I lost my money with this scam. Tried to get At., FBI, Miami Dade police all to do something. Heard nothing from them. I figured they had moved on to live off our money then I recieved a call just now from a man in Canada asking me if I had ever heard of Allied Steel Buildings which is one of the names these people operate under. This guy was sending them a deposit in the morning 3/16/2011. This building was costing him $260, 000. So this proves these people are still in buisness. Reggie Murrell [protected] in Louisiana
Well old scoop wrote that this Bondi was taking action. Now I read this kind of [censor] again about how sad it is. What needs to be be sad is [censored] go down to there to the AT office. I am going to try to say this maybe more clearly these people Knote Zimmerman and their lawyer are in the MOB GET IT THE|MOB THESE PEOPLE DOWN THERE ARE AFRAID OF THEM.That is my personal opinion. Try this [censor] in your state and see how long you are walking around. I will go down there any time someone wants to go but it is going to take more that 2 we need 50 to 80 people. Get the people up lets GOOOOOOOO
You guys are all crooked out there in Florida! What is the A.T. In on it also? If this had to do with some big time drug case or some political money scam you or the Feds "or both" would be all over it and these people would charged within months!
You say "it is an unfortunate situation when a company goes out of business leaving
behind dissatisfied customers and creditors." That's such B.S.!
These companies didn't just "go out of business!" They knew they were going to go under, got everyones money, and then ignored them till there [censor] where covered by bankruptcy! But! Because Floridas legislative and judicial system is so corrupt "probably in the back pocket of whoever is in charge of this whole scam" they went ahead and did it again! While they were ignoring customers, claiming bankruptcy with one company, they started another company with a different name and used the same scam to get MORE peoples money! Now there claiming bankruptcy with this company and you guys act like it's just an unfortunate situation?
Either your all in on it or there's just not enough in it for you to do something about!?!?!?!?! Do you even know how much money these people took, from how many people and how they did it?!?!?!?
Every single person involved should be in jail and that means some of YOU Bondi!
Lol! Sorry guys I thought that was an actuall response from the AG!
Duh, like that would happen! There allllll in on it!
I was trying to just let it go and call it a loss but man these guys screwed over so many people! Every week someone just figures out theyve been robbed! We need to go see the Florida AG! I'll go by myself if I have to!
I'll go visit the Feds too, see what they have to say these days!
This is what the Fla. AG sent me,
what a crock of @&*# I was never sent anything about them closing
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi received your email regarding a
building you purchased from Super Steel Buildings. Attorney General Bondi
has asked that I respond. I am truly sorry for your difficulties.
Our office appreciates the opportunity to review your complaint.
Regrettably, we understand that Super Steel notified its customers by mail
in June 2010 that the company would be closing. We will keep your
complaint in our consumer files in case we learn that the company has
resumed business, or if we receive any information that would be helpful
to you.
It is an unfortunate situation when a company goes out of business leaving
behind dissatisfied customers and creditors. You may wish to contact the
Southern District of Florida Bankruptcy Court to determine if the company
in question has filed for bankruptcy, and if possible, how you may file a
claim against the company. The contact information is:
United States Bankruptcy Court
Southern District of Florida
Federal Courthouse Square
301 North Miami Avenue
Miami, Florida [protected]
Telephone: [protected]
Website: http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov/
Our office does not mediate individual complaints. Please review the
online brochure below from the Florida Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services (DACS) entitled, "Court Is Your Last Resort, " which
provides information about small claims and civil legal actions:
http://www.800helpfla.com/court_text.html
Please consult a private attorney if you need any legal guidance. An
attorney can provide the legal advice which our office cannot give to
private individuals. The Florida Bar offers a Lawyer Referral Service
toll-free at [protected]. The Florida Bar can also provide information
about low cost or free local legal aid if you cannot afford a private
attorney. The Bar's website is at:
http://www.floridabar.org
Thank you for contacting Attorney General Bondi's Office. I hope this
proves helpful.
Sincerely,
Carmen James
Office of Citizen Services
I have been sceaming these guys are connected for three years that is why the law is so slow to react WATCH THE NEWS ONE of the Mobsters was arrested in Fort Laurderdale and was collecting money from strip clubs down there remember these boys are all from NEW YORK! read about the lawyer Rothstien from the his begings to the end all the articles are in the SUN Sentitinal.
Now we need 78 more!
I will go to Florida !
The Feds took over the case from ft lauderdale police. You can file with dade co county but you need to call the Feds and file a report with them!
I can not believe these people r still doing this! They r under investigation though. I call the Feds once a month and ask em what the hell there doing! It's no wonder nothings happened to these people you'll see what I mean when you call them.
Here's who's on the case and there numbers!
Jonathan Ostroman. [protected] he's the investigator on the case against USB
I don't quite kno what this person does but she's with miami FBI also.
Her name is Pam Washington. She's at the same number.
Kelly murphy [protected]. I think she was handling Pams cases why she was on vacation?
Anyway everyone should call these people and ask them WTF ?!?!? I complain to em once a month and get nothing! Maybe of we all bug em they'll actually do something!
I
I just filed a complaint with the Miami Dade PD. Will update later when I hear back from them. Anyone of you who got scammed out of this so-called Miami office with Wade, Marie and Miranda needs to do the same. The number is [protected]
Read all the complaints even the ones with United Steel Building same bunch. You are not going to get your money you are not going to get justice unless you get in your vehicle drive to Tallahasse Fl. go to the captial go the the represinitves office from that county go to the Attorney Generals office and the Secutary of States office and by the way take 80 others with you that are just as mad as you but most of the victims here love e-mail letters crying and [censor]ing and that has worked well for the past 3 years. So good luck!
I too have been taken by this bunch of fraud/scam artist. They are into my for right at $7000.00. I also sent an e-mail to Gavin Caddy and all he wants is an additional $2500.00 as a retainer, yea like I'm going to send more of my money over that way. I want to know what the so-called legal eagles (AG's office) over in Fla. are doing about this situation. Seems to me that there are enough people on just this web-site that they could get info from and hold the a--holes that scamed us accountable for their actions. Please send me any info that any of you may have so I can help with getting something done. I can be reached at kclawsb@yahoo.com I just found out I was scammed this week when I tried getting back with SSB out of the Miami office (if there ever was one) I sent e-mails to Wade, Marie and Miranda asking for my new set of prints that they had to do a revision on because it wasn't up to my areas code. Got no responses, so I tried calling and never got in touch with Tracie and the rest of the minions in this group. So I'm in it for the $6000.00 I put down for the building and another $860.98 for the revision. I have all of my e-mails from these people along with my reciepts.
Well they all need put away! I just hope they don't forget about that mofo!
United steel buildings, super steel buildings and a couple more are all the same.
They targeted anyone who checked out buildings on there web sites. They would tell them they had a building similar to what they were looking for at a discounted price because a customer had backed out on it. They probably knew they were going under, gathered as much money as they could then bailed on everyone. United steel got me for $9000. Months after ft lauderdale AG, pd and even the Feds knew all this and were "investigating" them, I received a email from super steel building. Guess what they said. " we have a building similar to what your looking for that's half price because a customer backed out on it" How's that for B.S.!
The one who really needs to be put in jail is there criminal [censor] lawyer Jeffery Berlowitz!
The Feds r on it ! They'll get r Money back. LoL:)) It's been what 2 years now and is all they can say is "it's under investigation, we can't talk to you about it". Thats such b.s.! If the Feds want something they get it. There's enough evidence to put these people away for a long time which will be the best outcome for us. We're not gonna get r money back, there broke! Whatever money they had is spent or in a place where it can't b found by the Feds. They'll be arrested, party in a federal camp for a few years, then have to pay a few hundred dollars a month restitution for the rest r there lives. I just want them to sit in jail while the Feds "investigate"!
If gathering in florida is what needs to happen I'm in. Forsure! However, due to the outcome putting anymore energy into this might be foolish. They will get what they deserve! One way or the other!
TO this is BS - - No, I dealt with SSB Dec 08 did not find out that they went out until Aug of 10. Have had so many family health issues that I was not able to do anything further. I did contact the FL Atty Gen ofc and got a response saying that they could not do anything.
Instead of fraud, this should probably be pursued as THEFT, and charges filed for stealing the money. They did not notify anyone that they were going bankrupt. Normally, you are in the RED for months before you file bankruptcy. They knew of the pending filing and continued to take money from people. If you look up their address on Google Earth, it is an office building. There is no warehouse nearby.
Is anyone else dealing with the Feds on this site?
Were you recently dealing with super steel building?
Super Steel building is a shyster - I found out that they only had an engineering office in Ft Lauderdale - and it was secure, when I suggested driving down there to visit them, they had a fit and said that the place was under security - - -now why would an engineering firm require security to that level>>>>
If a class action is started I would like to be a part of same - - have sent e-mails to some of the people listed in prior complaints - - There has to be a way to make them pay everyone back - - send them to jail and make them work to pay everyone off. That way, at least, they will not be able to scam anyone else. cmsorl@hotmail.com
O.K. that did not work. No one wants to spend the time to go down there and all the calling and letter writing is working well. So how about going to a IRS office close to you with all this information. You have the owners names addresses take that information to the IRS if they get auditited you can receive 10% of what the IRS receive. The lawyer that represents them is a bankrupcy lawyer that will be next make sure you contact the bankrupcy court in that area and let that court keep a watch on these guys names.
I must say I am sorry about my spelling. I am so mad when I read about these people stealing this kind of money and we feel like some goverment office will help us. I am coming up on 3 years with this mess. It has caused me health problems because I will not let it go. I read your stories and I truly feel your frustration. I started a campain against these people in 2008 formed a class action lawsuit that went to hell due to more lawyers that went to prision. To really understand this area you need to do your home work. This area was so corrupt that most of the law enforcement went to jail a few years ago please do some research on this area it is like the wild west. I am truly asking some one to contact people get a least 80 that will absoluty be at the state captial in Florida for at least three days. It is not against the law nor are we doing anything by asking to see the ATG nor the State Reps. for that area. This is interstate fraud no matter what the ATG in Fl. says. United Steel Building owners & employees and Super Steel owners and employees need to go to jail at the least. The money I lost was borrowed money as I am sure some of yours were. I can not buy another building to replace this mistake. I never thought I could ever HATE as much as I do with this and really it is not what they did to me but the fact of the fine people I have talked to over the last three years. I think in my heart that someone needs to get this group together and move forward with going to the state capital. In my life I have seen the squeeky wheel get the grease. I posted a letter from Congressman Hastings stating that his hands were tied he was not on a committee that handled matters of that nature. It must have not attached. I hope some either in the USB or SSB scam moves foward in geting a group together to go I am packed as we speak. DAVID GENTRY
I will try this again. NO ONE is going to help you NO ONE! at least not in the short term this will be another 2 year in the making at best.so I am looking at 5 years. Thanks for the #. I would like you all to look at the ATG web site and look at the divisions web site. If anyone is 60 or over you can apply for your money through this forms and many others qualifie.You must give the money you receive from this fund back if you ever get your money back. It is something to look at.
We need to get at least 80 people from the USB scam and the Super Steel scam together and go to the capital of Florida which is Tallahasse Fl it located i the northern part of the state which is a help in mileage and air fair. We need to show up and go to the ATG Office at the capital not west palm beach that is another world plus this is where the State reps. are also located. We show up at the office the police will show due to the crowd and then the press shows. NOW we are on the news. Faces and the fact they see you is not a voice over the phone you are like a telemarketer calling them you are a faceless joke you must put a face on this now. I have been dealing with this for over two years I have talked to some of you but LAWYERS and I can speek from experience are a joke in this matter, Law enforcement has done nothing, news has done little, and now it is your turn YOUR PHYSICAL APPERANCE IS NEEDED IN FLORIDA [censored] WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE? If 300, 000 people can go toWashington totell the politicains to stop why in the HELL can't 80f us go to the Capital nd get our money back this is STEALING DAMN there is not another name for it. These people need to go top jail and YOU NEED TO STAND UP AND QUIT TALKING ABOUT WHO TO CALL! GET OFF YOUR [censor] AND LET's go down there and tell them in person what we think. MY name is David Gentry and I am FED THE HELL UP! Here is aletter from a Senator in Fl.
Received a letter from John Konopka @ FL Att'y General.
In short, civil investigation is continuing regarding USB. No current litigation, but gathering evidence in the event litigation is required.
Futhermore, AG does not undertake criminal action, and is not aware of any "criminal authority" referring complaints to the Office of the AG. That authority is the Broward State Attorney, 201 S.E. Sixth St, Ft Lauderdale, FL, 33301.
Give them a call! Main # [protected] and post any results.
It may be another waste of time but...
For USB/SSB victims who either : 1). did not receive their final plans or 2). for victims in a state where Jalal Ketabi is a not registered engineer or 3). no building received during any time during which Ketabi was not listed as a corporate officer. Anything else could be considered a "contractual dispute", and as a result a civil action.
Contact the Broward County Sheriff, Contractor Licencing & Fraud Unit. USB/SSB was only licenced/qualified under FL Statute 471, Engineering, to practice engineering for a breif period(for USB 7/09-11/09) using Jalal Ketabi as corporate officer to qualify. Otherwise, contracts to perform engineering are fraudulent and should be considered void. ASK TO PRESS CHARGES.
http://sheriff.org/about_bso/dle/units/contractor.cfm
[protected].
It is worth a try...? BO sheriff has arrested unlicenced contractors for...taking deposits ...and not performing(unqualified) . What is the difference between an unlicenced contractor and an unlicenced/unqualified engineering firm? Answer...NONE...both are fraud. Please post your results.
they got me for $9000.00
i live in california so its really hard for me to get any info
the feds are a joke! had to yell at them today
i dont think we can expect them to do anything for us!
with the effort they give on this invetigation they might as well be in on it!
i think are only hope is to turn the media on to how the Florida AG and feds are not doing anything for us victims!
We too decided not to spend additional dollars on the Super Steel scam. We cut our losses and have purchased from another company. As victims of this scam we found ourselves in need of a building and did not know who to trust anymore. One of our local contractors highly recommended we contact SteelCo Buildings Inc. (Johnny Smith) located in Covington GA [protected]). He said he had been doing business with them for years and has been very satisfied with their service. I called Johnny and explained my situation and that we had already poured the floor and had the J bolts already in the concrete for a building that doesn't exist. They were able to engineer the building to fit our bolt pattern from the Super Steel print at no extra charge. Many of my needed items (extra supports for snow load, wind column etc.) were included at no extra charge. We got a 40X58X12 with extras (insulation & walk in door) at a price that was less than the Super Steel price. Many of the SSB "extra" items are included with a SteelCo building. We got our delivery 6 weeks after the final paperwork was signed. Thanks to Super Steel the only way we could still get a building was to erect it ourselves (we had no experience at this) so we called SteelCo many times with questions. They were very helpful and great to work with. If any of you are looking for a company you can trust I can attest to having a good experience with SteelCo and highly recommend them. They really helped us to move forward. It was very difficult for us to trust anyone. If you are interested you can check out their web site (www.steelcobuildings.net) or if you have any questions or would like any information from me regarding my experience with SteelCo, please contact me here or e-mail me at fourwheeldan@verizon.net. Ideally, I hope we can recover our money from SSB but since it does not look promising, I hope everyone is able to recover...it's tough and I still don't understand how SSB can get away with it.
i received a form from the AG to fill out an return along with any and all paperwork, checks and what ever else i have pertaining to SSB. it seems like they are going to open a criminal investigation into the company. i hope this will lead to arrest of all the players in this scam. i would like to know who else was deceived with the game they played on me, they told me they had a building already made very close to the size i was looking for at large discount because the person who ordered it backed out. sent them a deposit, next they contacted me to pick the colors an options which needed another deposit, after that i never heard from them again. if the state police would go to their factory and find that they don't have the buildings being made that they say they have, this woud constitute fraud which is a criminal offense. maybe then the owners of SSB will start to pay refunds to the people they defrauded
Everybody needs to contact the Florida state Govener and Senator. The FBI is not going to help.
Please Post comments at the above link regarding Brinkman's article. PLEASE!
This recently posted online. Florida Att'y takes in 8500 complaints about a timeshare scam in FT. LAUDERDALE. AG turned it over to the FTC. Sound familiar. Apparently Florida authorities will not prosecute scam artists but turn it over to the Feds for investigation...
http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/10/29/feds-shut-down-timeshare-reselling-scam-that-took-millions/
I contacted Paul Brinkmann today, he is a reporter for the South Florida Business Journal who has printed two articles on USB. I asked him if he could please do a follow up article and to not let this scam get swept under the rug. This is the reply I received:
We dont normally run large investigations of small companies like this. We have a staff of four reporters trying to keep track of all business developments in South Florida.
If you and others are concerned, continue to post comments and details about your situation on the blog entry that I already have up there... So far, I only have four comments on there, which doesn't indicated much interest.
Bill McCollum is no longer a candidate for governor. He was defeated in the primary election by Republican Rick Scott.
Please go to:
http://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/blog/2010/09/united_steel_building_investigation_drags_on.html
Register and leave your comments. If more of us indicate an interest in what was done to us maybe they will print another article on USB & add SSB and this won't get swept under the rug. Come on people! Get our stories out there!
Addresses posted at:
unitedsteelbuildingscam.webs.com
First entry under LINKS...
Write, call, or better yet stop by and say "Hello".
Knote & Zimmerman home addresses posted at:
unitedsteelbuildingscam.webs.com
I will forward additional addresses as well and try and get them put up.
And we do need to go to FL as a GROUP and raise hell.
ASAP.
If Knote & Zimmerman had criminal charges pending or were sitting in a cell. Things might move along alot faster! IF the AG to thinks this money is just sitting somewhere speaks volumes about how & why this "investigation" is going the way it is.