smokescreen

2. Something said or done to hide the real reason for an action.

The company's promise of change was just a smokescreen for higher prices.

3. A cloud of smoke made to hide soldiers or ships from the enemy.

The warships laid down a smokescreen to escape under cover.

4. Anything that confuses people so they do not notice what is really happening.

The loud argument was a smokescreen to distract everyone from the missing money.