Fraud Alert: Thief Posing as a Buyer to Steal from Homes

The Skokie Police Department is looking for REALTORS® and homesellers who may have been victims of scams and theft by suspect Marin Ghimes, 62 years old. Ghimes is to believed to have approached REALTORS®, presenting himself as a wheelchair-bound, wealthy homebuyer. After viewing homes on the market, it is believed that Ghimes returns to and steals from the properties Ghimes has targeted homes in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, including Skokie, Barrington and Hoffman Estates. Accomplices may be involved. Ghimes has also been known to target the elderly, asking them for money for hotel rooms and vehicles. If you believe you or your clients are victims of Ghimes’ theft, please contact Detective Sean Gibson and the Skokie Police Department: 847-982-5951. Suspect:  Marin Ghimes DOB: 03/18/1956 Other Names Used: Michael Messina, Peter Deluca