Threats can be classified in four different categories; direct, indirect, veiled, conditional.
- A direct threat identifies a specific target and is delivered in a straightforward, clear and explicit manner.
- An indirect threat tends to be vague, unclear and ambiguous. The plan, the intended victim, the motivation, and other aspects of the threat are masked or equivocal.
- A veiled threat is one that strongly implies but does not specifically threaten violence.
- A conditional threat is the type of threat often seen in extortion cases. It warns that a violent act will happen unless certain demands or terms are met.
