Cryptic crossword clue
Double letter with double letters spelled out as “fraud”

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word WOULD-BE

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
O
U
L
D
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B
E

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "“fraud”" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case “fraud” = would-be.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does WOULD-BE mean?

WOULD-BE noun
  1. One who aspires to something.
WOULD-BE adjective
  1. Attempting or desiring something.
  2. Unfulfilled; frustrated in realizing a goal, ambition, etc.

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