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It had missed the first few words of the message: “…##### so that we can discuss about your case (flag No. 1) and take necessary action on this matter. If we don’t hear from you, then we (flag No. 2) will be forced to take legal action against you. Kindly (flag No. 3) press one or call us back at ##########.” This is verbatim from the transcribed message (without the phone number).
Sounds like BS, I thought. I’d like to think I have a fairly good BS-detector. After all, I do have a BS degree from BSC, in 1975, but BS has changed a lot since then. Three flags stood out as I re-read my transcription. First, most people for whom English is their first language would say “discuss your case” not “discuss about your case.” Second, the caller identified herself only with an ambiguous “we.” A former English teacher is quick to pick up on pronouns without antecedents. Third, the tone of the message…
