get a bum steer

To be given poor, inaccurate, or misleading information or advice. I don't know why on earth they told you to buy this model of computer—it's completely ill suited to your needs. I'm afraid you got a bum steer, pal. I did my own research to confirm that I wasn't getting a bum steer from my doctor when she suggested this procedure. I really got a bum steer when my advisor pushed me to take this class that I'm currently failing