For single-mum Steffanie Davies the chance to pay off a package through Little Masterpiece Studio was a dream come true that quickly turned into a nightmare.

More than a year ago Steff and her friend decided to purchase a package as the photography business set up in a Port Macquarie shopping centre.

“My son had reached the six-month mark and my friend’s child was a newborn so it was the perfect time for us to get photos done,” she said.

She chose the $1800 package, paid a $100 deposit and agreed to have $100 taken out each fortnight.

Her package promised two “giant” framed photos, a metre-wide portrait, an iPad plus iPad cover (featuring a photo of her son Rylan), a phone case, key ring, mug, magnets and more.

However, a year later and four months after paying the $1800 and she received less than half the goods.

“I know that somewhere there are photographs of my son smiling and laughing and I can’t access them.”

Steff’s worries about the business began when she received a disc “out of the blue” featuring two photographs of her son. She had not finished her payments and decided to call for clarification.

“They said I was close to finishing my payments and everything else would be sent out in 12-13 weeks and I thought wow, easy peasy.”

Steff called back about four or five weeks ago after not receiving the images and when she could not reach anyone, she used Facebook to message their professional page.

“I know they saw the (Facebook) message, it tells you. I’ve called countless times but I just can’t seem to get onto anyone so I’ve contacted Fair Trading,” she said.

NSW Fair Trading received a number of complaints in relation to Little Masterpiece Studio Pty Ltd which ceased trading in December 2015, with a new company LMS Studios Pty Ltd taking over.

“A representative from LMS has advised Fair Trading they will be honouring outstanding orders placed with Little Masterpiece Studio Pty Ltd. Customers are advised to contact LMS on (02) 9833 2255 to discuss their issues directly with the trader,” they said.

NSW Fair Trading encouraged customers still experiencing issues to lodge a written complaint at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or call 13 32 20.

Hundreds of women and men complained on the businesses Facebook page and even created a group ‘Scammed by Little Masterpiece Studio’.