FBI Challenges Amateur Code Breakers

Once in a while, even the FBI gets playful. Case in point, the public challenge just issued by their cryptanalysis, or code breaking division, to correctly translate this coded message.

No, it isn't easy, and the FBI suggests you start out by reading their fascinating feature Analysis of Criminal Codes and Ciphers, offering examples of code systems and coded messages, including the "Masonic cipher," bookmaker codes and cell phone codes used by drug dealers.

After you break the FBI's coded message, try this one:

21-15-29-20
3-9-17-15-21-3-22-15-3-32
5-3-31-9
33-26-9-8
20-29-5-26-13 (Big Hint)

Also See: Code Breakers at War: "They Served in Silence"