The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word FEINTS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
F
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "deceptive attacks" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case deceptive attacks = feints.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 FEINTS mean?
FEINTS noun- A movement made to confuse the opponent; a dummy.
- That which is feigned; an assumed or false appearance; a pretense or stratagem.
- (war) An offensive movement resembling an attack in all but its continuance
- To make a feint, or mock attack.