What would be the remedy you're asking for? People lie in negotiations all the time, but if there was no damage to you and you're otherwise happy with the performance of the contract - what's the grievance? You feel manipulated and lied to? I doubt the courts can help. You're free to not do any more business with them though. Depending on how the third party presented the confirmation there may potentially be an issue of perjury though (did you get a sworn affidavit?).

When you file a lawsuit you need to specify what you want. What is it? Flog them in public for lying?

@both Let's do a little though experiment. If someone breaks into my house but doesn't steal anything, is that a crime?

@AlexMorales It's trespassing. There are laws against this so people can feel safe and private in their homes. But in the area of contract law, feelings are not generally given much consideration.

@Barman Is making a false statement, on purpose, on writing, with the intent of selling up something a crime? Y/N?

If you weren't happy with the results of the contract, you could probably use this lie as a valid reason to get out of it and maybe get your money back. But in your situation it's "no harm, no foul".

Yes, lying for the purpose of financial gain is fraud.

@Barmar fraud is a crime, but not really a relevant argument here since there's no damages. You're right that the OP may use it to potentially get out of the contract (maybe...), but it doesn't sound like the OP is interested in that at this point.

Let's try again. If someone breaks into my house but doesn't steal anything, is that a crime?

@AlexMorales you can't sue for a crime, you can sue for damages. For crimes go to the law enforcement.

@AlexMorales YES, it's trespass and destruction of property. You can sue for the damages of that, and the state can prosecute. But there are damages.

This sounds like something best handled through social media shaming. While there may be a legal issue, will law enforcement really consider it a priority?

Rather than fraud - since, as you pointed out, you got what you contracted for - I would characterize this as a deceptive advertising practice. Your local jurisdiction should have an office to contact for reporting such behavior.

@Cadence Do private conversation and information in the contract count as "advertising"? I associate that with something published or broadcast widely, that's intended to attract customers.

@Barmar Why would it not count? It's a communication, made in the course of operating a business, made with the express purpose of getting someone to buy one's product. That's the essence of advertising, no matter the forum.

@Cadence My dictionary says: "advertise: describe or draw attention to (a product, service, or event) in a public medium in order to promote sales or attendance" (highlighting mine)

Very nice arguments y'all make. And yet: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Securities_fraud

Did this guy go to jail for "false advertising"? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Shkreli

You could try filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.