Deception by the FBI? (3)
I believe the answer is:
fib
'deception' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'the fbi?' is the wordplay.
'fbi' anagrams to 'FIB'.
Though, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.
'by' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for fib that I've seen before include "Petty falsehood" , "A harmless white lie" , "Little white lie" , "One must be 20 [UNTRUE]" , "minor piece of fiction" .)