Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Lochow Ranch

Has anyone here had any dealings with Lochow Ranch? I am wondering why Loco has decided to project the notion that they are somehow affiliated with Overton Fisheries! They are the very last outfit that I would want my name associated with, and here are examples showing how low they go to try and dupe customers. This may benefit them and smear us at the same time. How do you suggest we handle this issue? In the past, PB members have given some great advice, so I am back again asking for your input. Thanks.

Todd is that even legal for them to do that?

It’s why I am asking you all. I don’t know.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, but this goes too far. There are laws about deliberately deceptive advertising. You may want to remind them of that by registered mail.

Or have your attorney send them a letter. Also, you might want to put a notice on your website and FB page that you are NOT associated with them.

PM me, I have an "X" KS fisheries bio that went to work for them and is back in KS now. I'm sure he might be able to shed some light-possibly..

If it was any other company I’d say it was an honest mistake but knowing them probably not.

If there's no relationship, then it's truly false advertising.

As someone suggested already, a 'cease and desist' letter from your attorney is probably the starting point.

If you didn't want to get an attorney involved initially, then you could just call Lochow Ranch and ask them what they're trying to do, and tell them to stop, or alternatively, pay good hard dollars for the benefits of 'association' with Overton Fisheries (knowing that you want no association).

Sent you a PM with all of the contact info for the company that hosts www.lochowranch.com

That appears to be a Google ad that is inserted by Google. I don't think Loco has anything to do with it. The AI system sees an interest in ponds and lakes and selects a targeted ad.

Interesting.

Yet another problem with unleashing AI.

If AI libels someone, publishes true threats, violates copyright protections, etc., who is the responsible party to be sued for damages?

I am interested to know the answer.

This is a paid ad, and yes Loco knowingly inserted our name to project association. I know this because I have the same type of ads running, all designed by myself. Actually I recently made one for us which explicitly states “NOT Lochow Ranch”. If you do a google search for Overton Fisheries a few times you may see it.

Thanks to everyone for your input, and of course I invite further input or information..

Here is another false ad from Loco. They are flagrant with their advertising. I have never had a single dealing with this outfit.

This is really interesting, and messed up.

So, if you click on anything in this 'advertisement,' does it all go to the Lochow Ranch outfit?

Try it and let me know. For me it does…

Todd,

Call them and tell them to cease and desist.

Record every communications with them.

Change your web page to say not associated with Lochow Ranch.

Todd,

I went to Lochow Ranch on my normal browser (Google Chrome) but did not get any pop up ads. However, I run Ad Blocker Plus. I checked the bin on ABP and it said zero ads blocked.

I then went to Lochow Ranch on Microsoft Edge with no supplemental ad blockers on that browser. I did NOT get any pop up ad. Not the sneaky one for you, but also not any others.

Perhaps they have temporarily disabled?

You might want to check again and see if you still get the pop up?

Good luck on this PITA.

Rod, search "Overton Fisheries" on your phone.

Al,

Did I completely invert the problem?

I thought Lochow was having Overton information "pop up" on their site in an attempt to falsely piggyback on Overton's name.

I will try Overton's on my computer and phone to see if I can generate more info for Todd.

I suspect it is tough for him to evaluate by himself since his browser history must be full of "Overton" links and searches.

What's happening is that when you Google "Overton Fisheries" on your phone the #1 option, which displays Overton Fisheries, takes you to Lochow Ranch instead. It's hijacking Todd's potential customers. Bing and Duck Duckgo don't do the same, because Google Ads are the issue. I'm livid over all this, so I'm trying to stay out of it.

Thanks Al. I obviously needed the clarification.

Livid over politics, we should probably keep it off of Pond Boss.

Livid over deceptive and manipulative business practices, we should all give them hell with both barrels.

I will keep following this thread in case Todd needs some group action to apply pressure for positive change.

I used Lochow years ago in my search for a good pond site. They even did an electro-survey of a property that already had a large pond on it, supposedly stocked with channel cats. Turned out that a big part of the pond was too shallow, and the "channel cats" were bullheads. So Lochow saved me from making a big mistake, and I have no axe to grind against them.

That said, I've been getting marketing messages from them just in the last month. Interesting timing.

Perhaps they are "under new management".

Got Ethan from Overton on the phone today to discuss upcoming electroharvest. Told him that I actually called Lochow number, but somehow ended up at Overton!