A United States mum tried to convince her son he was dying of leukaemia so she could take advantage of the gifts and money from sympathisers, prosecutors claim.
Nevada woman Victoria Morrison, 31, allegedly spent months faking her 10-year-old's terminal illness. She then faked his death and even held a fake memorial service for him earlier this month.
She's now been charged with child abuse and obtaining money by false pretences; if convicted of both charges she could be jailed for a maximum of 20 years in prison and fined US$10,000 (NZ$14,200), Associated Press reports.
Morrison set up a GoFundMe webpage to help raise funds for the boy's "bucket list", saying that her "world fell apart" when she learned of her son's diagnosis.
She wrote her son "made a list of things he wants to do before he gets (too) sick, now it's my job to help him do just that.
"But I'm a single mom to three other kids and work. So please if you have a spare dollar help me help my son wishes and dreams come true [sic]," the page read.
Carson City Sheriff Kenny Furlong said Morrison managed to raise US$2000 (NZ$2800) through the crowdfunding page.
She also appealed to the boy's school and their community for help.
The gifts came rolling in, including a shopping spree with local emergency responders, a helicopter ride, gift cards and cash.
Mr Furlong said the boy had been diagnosed with a treatable illness more than a year ago.
Police have no other suspects, but they're trying to work out whether others were involved or knew the boy was alive while Morrison tried to convince others he'd been cremated.
A GoFundMe spokesperson told AP Morrison has been banned from the site and money returned to donors.
All four of Morrison's children have been placed in state care.
Newshub.
