I say that was social engineering, and a good example, yes it as a lie but isn't that what you would do to manipulate some one into giving you information, sometimes you lie pretending to be other people whether you meet them or not.
PS I did mention about acting dumb in another post another example of how sometimes its the easiest method, it gives the person in the shop a great feeling and makes them feel good as they are helping some less technical than them ;)