VENICE, Fla. — Police in southwest Florida arrested a Central Florida man whom they said pretended to be a licensed contractor.
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Venice police and code enforcement investigators said Eric Ziko, 36, of Ocoee, falsely claimed to be a licensed roofer.
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They said Ziko made a contractual agreement for $47,000 to replace a roof on a mobile home in Venice.
Police said the elderly victim paid half that amount upfront as a deposit.
Investigators said they are trying to recover that money.
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On the heels of Hurricane Ian, the Venice Police Department announced on social media that it has been working nonstop “to combat bad actors with intentions of taking advantage of the good people of Venice.”
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Venice police are asking anyone who entered into a contract with E and Z US Roofing to take quick action to protect themselves, and urge them to contact local law enforcement immediately.
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