BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Fundraisers for people in need take place in communities all over northeast Ohio, and many of us give money to help out.

One local woman is accused of collecting money after making up an elaborate story of need, reported NewsChannel5's Pete Kenworthy.

At Raphael's Beauty School in Brunswick, one student claimed that her 1-year-old daughter was dying of leukemia.

Other students and employees rallied around her until it turned out that the story was a scam.

"Our instructor, Kelly, is the one who really got suspicious, from what I know, she kept calling the school asking about how much money there was donated, so, that's what gave her suspicions and that's when she said, 'Is your baby really sick?' We don't even know if she has a baby," said student Pam Rell.

Rell and others had planned a cut-a-thon for one of their fellow students to help raise money for a sick girl, or so they thought. After the suspicions were raised, police became involved.

"Generally in all these cases, the three letter word, 'why,' comes up and we just don't have the answer for that at this time," said Nick Solar, of Brunswick police.

Some money had already been collected at the beauty school. Employees released a statement saying they are disappointed and hurt by the whole situation.

"I hate to speculate but you could have theft charges, forgery, fraud, forged document -- those sorts of things, so it's pretty much up to the grand jury as far as how they want to proceed with the case," said Rell.

Since no charges have been filed, the woman's name has not been released. She is no longer a student at the school.

It could take a week or so before formal charges are filed, if at all.

If you think you may have given money to the woman, contact the Brunswick Police Department.