I'm sure if a label wanted to throw money towards iTunes or Spotify or Billboard to increase certain numbers they could and do. I mean do any of us have literal proof that a song sold exactly what comes out on the charts?
The thing that's most certain in the music business in touring. If you try to fake that, it becomes pretty apparent due to tweeting or pictures of the show. Sure the numbers can be faked, but the actual reputation of a tour can be determined by individuals with critical thinking skills
Same people claiming Grammy awards (that their faves either have little to none of) are bought are RUNNING to say this isn't true or that they don't believe it... Predictable.
3. A company issues a press release saying their new discovery has sold 30 million records, when the actual figure is 30,000, but the media make it official truth.