Shalom Scott in one of his observation said that, "During my time as a Baha'i, I saw potential converts lied to by Baha'is regarding the membership of the Faith. The Baha'is, especially the Baha'i leadership, have always grossly inflated the 'official' numbers in order to present an inaccurate picture to the world (as well as to individuals considering conversion) and to make the Faith seem much more successful and influential than it really is.