The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 17 letter word MISREPRESENTATION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "false account" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case false account = misrepresentation.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does MISREPRESENTATION mean?
MISREPRESENTATION noun- Erroneous or false representation; an unfair or dishonest account or exposition; a false statement: as, to injure one's character by misrepresentations.
- Incorrect or unfaithful representation in the capacity of agent or official representative, such as of a principal in a matter of business, or of constituents in legislation.
- In map-making, faultiness in a map projection, estimated with regard to its unequal scale in different parts and to its distortion of angles.