I say it's a smokescreen because original context (1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John v. 7) identifies the anti-Christ:
1. Present in tense.
2. As a plurality.
3. In a theological context, one which includes most Israelis.
Any person who denies that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of Bible prophecy is, according to these verses, a liar, and anti-Christ. There are no exceptions. Anyone who denies this truth, that Jesus is the Christ, that Messiah is come ---in the flesh, is, according to Bible definition, a liar, deceiver, and an anti-Christ. Collectively they are the anti-Christ and are among those for whom Christians are maintain a policy of nonsupport. We are warned not to receive them into our house, nor to bid them Godspeed lest we be partakers of their evil deeds (2 John vv. 10-11).
I Hope this helps everyone see through the smokescreen.