well going to jail is not part of this conversation...im not sure why you would even bring that up??
we are talking about the workplace, at least OP was and I was. i could spin you a yarn about someone that got hired the same exact time i did and he faked it, HARD CORE. i'm talking pretty much sucked someones dick, got dry fucked with no lube, dingled dangles, you name it - he did it, sleazy and fake the whole way through but he made it.
i am the example of not faking it - i worked my fucking ass off and i finally made it two steps in my career (hire, promote, promote) without playing the game but i feel good about what i've done and no one really does about example A, everyone knows he is a monster. i made strides, my actual confidence has gained the admiration of my peers.
acting is the key to success in the real world - you fake it to make it. be real and expect a long bumpy ride.