I've heard of people who lie on job applications, claiming academic credentials they don't have. There are people who lie and claim to be Navy SEALs, or Army special forces. I've heard of people who lie and say they're cops, or lawyers, or airline pilots. Such lies are for money, or to achieve unearned admiration, or to impress girls.
But would someone lie about being a radio astronomer? I don't mean to imply that RA is starving, gets no respect, and doesn't impress the ladies. The rumors are that quite the opposite is true. But seriously folks, who would claim to have such an occupation if it weren't true?