Crossword Genius

Encrypted hoax written by newspaperman? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

coded

'encrypted' is the definition.
('code' can be a synonym of 'encrypt')

'hoax written by newspaperman?' is the wordplay.
'hoax' becomes 'cod' (cod can mean false or hoax).
'written by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'newspaperman?' becomes 'ed'.
'cod'+'ed'='CODED'

(Other definitions for coded that I've seen before include "Enciphered" , "Encrypted, prearranged for secrecy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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