The scammer calls various businesses, attempting to purchase items with stolen or fraudulent credit cards. Oftentimes, individuals are targeted as well, most of whom have advertised a product or service online.

Typically, in an IP-Relay scam call, the scammer will place several calls using a Relay Operator. Calling to businesses or private parties, the scammer will inquire about merchandise/services offered, and then immediately and with few questions asked, attempt to purchase the merchandise. The Scammer then proceeds to ask for an e-mail address, by which he can contact the victim to proceed with the closing of the fraudulent transaction.

The scammer proceeds to send the victim a counterfeit money order, with instructions requiring that it be cashed, and that excess funds be sent back to the scammer (advanced fee fraud). When it is determined that the money order is counterfeit, the victim is usually arrested by the authorities for playing a role in the scam.

It is worth noting that credit-card fraud is not the only kind of fraud reported through IP Relay. A relay scammer typically will use IP Relay for all fraudulent-related transactions/telephone calls within the United States. This includes the "love bug" scam, as detailed below.

The relay operators are well aware of these scams, but can do absolutely nothing to stop it. Operators are never allowed to make judgements about the legality and/or legitimacy of any relay call. Warning or trying to tip off a potential victim can result in the operator getting fired and being escorted out of the building with threats of lawsuits from the relay company. Calls are randomly monitored in live time, and the operator never knows about it until after the call. Operators are in a very difficult position.