Rampant Software Company Fraud

Would it be far fetched to think that CROs purchase fake leads for their sales reps to pursue, and then go commit fake deals on so that they can claim that the revenue is coming; only to leave the company holding the bag in the end.

The way the entire scheme works would be this:

Year 1: Come in with a strict sales process from a place that had a recent successful exit. Fire all of the current sales teams and replace them with people who are loyal to you. Use the sales process as a justification for gaslighting the current staff out.

Year 2: Overcharge current clients; front load revenue growth but try to get headcount approved and grow teams before the inevitable bottom out in Q3/Q4 when you miss your revenue goals significantly. In the meantime, put extreme pressure on the current sales team to fraudulently commit deals under the threat of termination. You make it easy for them by purchasing fake leads to “get the conversation going”. After which it is them who will commit the fake deals. You keep a few solid reps, but churn and burn the rest after 6-9 months unless they find real deals.

Year 3: Throw your current team under the bus and fire everyone; and just try to hold on for another year. Negotiate a good separation package, because at this point you have the leverage of the business wanting to appear stable for an IPO or possible acquisition.

Am I the only one who spots this obvious pattern of fraud.