Yes, the agents either just print a fake ticket number and reservation code and give you something. Or they book for a moment and cancel it after sending it to you. Many agents have the possibility to hold a reservation from 24 h to 72 h depending on where they are operating and for which airline.
Both the above possibilities can work at the boarding gate. But a smart ass check-in desk airlines agent, if he decides to investgate further and find the ticket already canceled..it may be a problem. Thats why I find, buying from orbitz minutes before your boarding as a full proof method with no loop holes
In countries like Congo, holding a Congolese passport, one always needed a visa to travel anywhere. So one has to apply for a visa at the embassy and attach a confirmed air return ticket, confirmed hotel reservation, bank details for last 6 months, employment letter from your employers, proof of owning property in Congo, criminal record ( some countries demand that) etc..So for this the travels agents 'dummy' ticket came very handy. Even the embassies know its not a real ticket or if its real..but its already cancelled. But they ( embassies) still ask for it. Travel Agents come very handy for that.
Ben would be so happy to read this post!
