Only when written 食わせ物
Refers to a thing that is not genuine, a counterfeit or imitation. Often used for objects or appearances.
This branded item is a fake; it's not genuine.
Refers to a person who deceives others, such as an impostor, swindler, or hypocrite. Can be used for someone pretending to be something they are not.
He seems kind, but he's actually a hypocrite.
Standard kanji form for both senses.
Alternate kanji form, specifically for the 'fake/counterfeit' sense.
Compound of 食わせ (kuwase, 'to make eat' or 'to deceive') + 者 (mono, 'person' or 'thing'). The verb 食わせる can mean 'to feed' but also 'to trick' or 'to cheat', giving the word its sense of something or someone deceptive.