Headed to Hawaii in 2025 with some friends, so got to checking and found a place to rent bikes. I read up on one company a few years ago, and started looking for it (Twisted Road), but stumbled across what looks to be a much better site. Did some searching and thinking "damned.. great prices and lots of options!" So I do what I always do and research it. Looks to be legit, so ... I'm in! Create a Profile, update all my pertinent info for renting and start the process.
When the smoke clears I've 'rented' an '18 CVO Road Glide. Clean, low miles and after selecting Insurance, etc. ... about $350 for 48 hours. A LOT less than I thought it'd be. For what I'm wanting to do, looks like a great deal. Look around for our friends and come across two trikes, similar cost, same owner. Damned. This will truly simplify things. We can pick them both up at the same place. No brainer I'm thinking! Interestingly this guy with the account has TEN diff' HDs listed, all newer nice shape. I'm thinking he's got a helluva business going there, writing off his toys. Hell, I even messaged him asking if they were his personal bikes or a business renting them. Led me to believe they were mostly his. Huh... maybe I'm missing a business opportunity here in Tejas?
Yes, indeed, I understand where you're coming from and I'm happy to help clarify things. The bikes listed on the platform are a mix of my personal bikes and additional ones that I've added specifically for rental purposes. I've been riding for quite some time myself and I've always had a passion for various models, hence the diversified portfolio. My Ride Share activities are more of a side project compared to my main occupation. However, rest assured that I take it very seriously.
As for the reviews, I appreciate that you've noticed. We haven’t had a million rentals yet, but the ones we’ve had liked us a lot and that's why we only have a few. Also, it's natural that not everyone leaves a review after their rental experience, but I can assure you that all our bikes are well-maintained and ready to offer you a great ride.
The FLTRX and Tri Glide are both excellent choices. I'm confident that you and your buddy will have a fantastic time riding these bikes.
Well, I get my bike locked down, paid for , and pass the info to my friends. Now, the fun begins. First part is weird because they had trouble creating their profile on Riders-Share. It's not 100% obvious the first time and I got my butt kicked. Well, after a crazy amount of time and with my help having to use my own phone, we've got it setup. Last night they attempted to lock it down and then ... the fun begins. Ride-Share won't authorize the credit card, so they are considering the PayPal option. However, the guy renting them is giving his own PayPal address saying they are having issues and don't worry. Well now, EVERY FLAG is going off. We chat back and forth and I tell him I'll look into tomorrow (i.e.. today). Well, my reservation is now CANX by Ride-Share. I'm guessing he initiated it. So, I go to look at it all and his listing for the '18 CVO is gone. ALL the bikes he listed are gone. Check my CC and Ride-Share has been refunded by $350.00 so no problem there (though I'll keep my eyes open). Supposedly this guy had been on Ride-Share for over five years. Supposedly had 10 bikes. But, only five reviews. Huh.
Well, now I'm in full blown investigative mode as I type this. In fact, I'm going to pause and check on his phone number and email address. Hell not sure his profile is still active.
Profile on Riders-Share: GONE Was under "THYAGO"
Phone number he's texting me from: Out of SC with an 803 area code. 803.368.3634
PayPal he's using ties back to Frank Lem*****. Search of that name shows a lot in TX but not SC
Gmail he's using: ffaban***@gmail.com
The part that bugs me is ... his profile showed active for many years. Showed rentals that went back a few years, but only a handful. That's the only I thing that made me question if it was legit. After I post this I'll reach out to that site with more questions...
When I was getting texts from him last night, again .. my flags were going on. The English was pretty good, but not the way most of us 'talk?'
Cell Texts:
Thyago: Hi William, You are renting my HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE CVO in April. Please confirm if this is the best way to reach you.
Me: Shot him a screen shot from my friends convo' with him
Thyago: Yes, Definitely. I am unable to take your buddy's booking on riders-share.com
Me: Weird .. why not?
Thyago: Not weird. It is due to an ongoing issue that I am currently facing. The site seems to have some technical difficulties in releasing payments from previous rentals. Emphasizing that my previous rental experiences have garnered excellent reviews, which is a testament to my credibility as a responsible renter
Me: I'll chat with my friends tomorrow . My charge went clean via Ride Share yesterday. They're concerned as you can imagine.
Thyago: Yes, I can understand your friends’ concerns. But please reassure them there’s absolutely no need to worry. To further alleviate their concerns, could you let them know that the tri glide is directly from me? Moreover, I’ll be personally delivering it to them as they request for delivery.
Was going to research more to day .. but then ... reservation was canx.
Looking at the texts my friend had ... now REEKS of BS which is why I left some of their info there. Wanted the payment via FRIENDs and FAMILY. No refunds when you do that. I'm feeling back I brought them into this but mine went smooth and appeared legit. I believe they are good to go now as well not sending it to the 'correct' email
Lesson Learned here? Not sure there is one, except do NOT send funds outside the system. Rings true with Airbnb's as well. Spoke to the site and they are supposed to be crediting me someway, somehow. The guys account was hacked and the account suspended I'm told. We just happened to stumble into the mix.
On a positive note .... no money lost, but wasted hours over the previous 24 hrs. with this scammer
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