Crossword Genius

Deception by the FBI? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fib

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'deception' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe you can see an association between them that I can't see?

'the fbi?' is the wordplay.
'fbi' anagrams to 'FIB'.
Though, I am not clear how this 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" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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