Mom buying puppy for terminally ill child scammed out of $800

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. (KABC) -- A mother wanting to buy a puppy for her blind, terminally ill daughter was scammed out of $800 after responding to an advertisement on PennySaver.com.

Kim Traer spotted a Yorkshire Terrier Teacup she thought would be perfect for her daughter Arwyn's sixth birthday next week. Arwyn has a rare genetic disease and is bedridden.

"I thought having a very small dog would be something wonderful, a dog that could sleep in her hospital bed with her, sleep and cuddle," Traer said.

The seller, who happened to be out of state, promised to ship the animal for $250.

"I purchased an animal before. You just call, pay the money and pick up your animal. This one happened to be out of state and they said they would ship it to me the same day," Traer said.

But when Traer wired the money, the seller asked for more to pay for shipping insurance.

"They sounded like good people, compassionate people. They understood my situation and said they would help me," Traer said.

She ended up paying more than $800 before she realized it was a scam.

"I don't normally consider myself stupid, but because I was so desperate to make this happen for my daughter, I did something against my better judgment and this is how it turned out."

Traer has since filed a police report and has contacted the FBI.

"As devastating as it is for me as a parent, I have told her that her puppy was coming, that her puppy was going to be on her lap in the bed with her. Now I had to tell her. 'I'm sorry honey. You're not getting a puppy.'"

Note: Since this story aired, several ABC7 viewers have offered to help Traer obtain a puppy. We will keep you posted on the latest developments.