"Lie" is an accusation that I try pretty hard not to use. (Some people are quick to say "you lied to me" as soon as they discover a mismatch between what was said and what the reality is, I try to save that for when it's really clear that deliberate deception is going on.)
Frequently people tell untruths because they really don't know the truth or are confused. Also people who hear bits and pieces of a story might come to the conclusion that deception is going on when actually their imagination is getting the better of them. Also information changes over time. You might tell reports A and B that X is the case, then you talk to C who educates you that X is not the case and really Y is the case, then you talk to D and E and tell them that Y is the case. A and B might never get updated or get updated after some time delay in which they might compare notes with D or E and think there is a problem.
Even if you don't lie you are going to pay for the sins of other people who lie who hear stories that don't add up and think you are lying.
