Our linguistic analysis of email proposes a coding system that could be implemented to detect attacks and fraud such as the 419 or AFF. A related approach is discussed in Wired, but in terms of the sounds made by sperm whales. Pattern analysis is being used to explore whether each whale has a different voice, or even a unique identifier.

“In terms of information transfer, the timing of the clicks is much less susceptible” to interference, said Rendell. “There is no doubt in my mind that the animals can tell the difference between the timing of individuals.” Moreover, 5R tends to be made at the beginning of each coda string as if, like old-time telegraph operators clicking out a call sign, they were identifying themselves. Said Rendell, “It may function to let the animals know which individual is vocalizing.”

Rendell stressed that much more research is needed to be sure of 5R’s function. “We could have just observed a freak occurrence,” he said. Future research will involve more recordings. “This is just the first glimpse of what might be going on.”

Maybe they also eventually will find whale fraud. At least it is a big step up from whale-feces research.