Azhkman.
Ground staff often tell porkies at the gate over the PA or to travelers in the knowledge that general passengers wouldn't know a lie if it slapped them in the face.
I have overheard quite a few whoppers being told and I have heard ground staff tell outright lies. They deflect the blame anyway they can from themselves and the company. Crew, especially pilots, are often the target of the lies. Whether this is by design or convenience(not there to defend themselves), I will leave it up to you to decide.