What condition is it when your cat has mysterious scabbed over wounds on their neck?

So here's the deal. My cat, Samantha has these weird spots on her neck. She has not gone outside lately because of the bitter cold and snow. My stepmom and I were petting her and we felt bumps all around her neck. She wears a loose collar. We looked at the spots and they were pretty large scabs found all around her neck and under her chin. We are visiting the vet Friday but are worried about the condition. We hope it is not serious because if it is, we do not have the money and would have to have her put down. We think it is serious though. Please attach links so I know this is true,or some other sourse