Backpage.com $200M+ Sex Trafficking Victim Remission

Sex trafficking victims exploited through Backpage.com or CityXGuide may qualify to claim a remission payment.

Backpage.com and related entities forfeited more than $200 million to resolve claims the websites enabled sex trafficking, including minor trafficking, over a 14-year period. The U.S. Department of Justice will distribute these funds to compensate victims for financial losses directly related to their trafficking experiences.

Who can file a claim?

Individuals must meet the following conditions:

• They were sex trafficking victims advertised on Backpage.com between Jan. 1, 2004, and April 6, 2018, OR
• They were sex trafficking victims whose trafficking was facilitated through CityXGuide.com between April 8, 2018, and June 19, 2020.
• They incurred financial losses as a result of their trafficking, such as medical expenses, behavioral health costs or lost wages.

Representatives or estates of deceased victims and parents or guardians for minors or incapacitated individuals may file a claim on behalf of the victim. Estates may also claim funeral expenses if the death resulted from the trafficking.

Eligibility is not restricted by citizenship status. Individuals do not need to be U.S. citizens to file a claim.

How much can class members receive?

The total compensation fund exceeds $200 million, and the amount each eligible claimant receives depends on the total number of approved claims and the documented losses for each claimant.

Losses may include:

• Medical expenses, such as out-of-pocket costs, dental care, tattoo removal and future medical needs (with supporting documentation from a licensed professional)
• Behavioral health costs, including therapy, counseling, substance use treatment and future behavioral health needs (with a treatment plan by a licensed professional)
• Lost wages, calculated using the federal minimum wage, or, if applicable, the rate or percentage the trafficker provided
• Additional out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the trafficking

How to claim a settlement payment

Eligible victims or their representatives can submit the online claim form or download, print and fill out the PDF claim form and mail or email it to the settlement administrator. Those who need a paper form can also request one by calling the administrator at the phone number below. The claim deadline is Feb. 2, 2026.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Backpage Remission, Remission Administrator, P.O. Box 2890, Portland, OR 97208-2890, info@BackpageRemission.com, 1-888-859-9206, 1-971-316-5053 (international, charges may apply

What proof or documentation is required to submit a claim?

Claimants must provide documentation supporting their claimed losses. Acceptable documentation includes:

• Emails, text messages, screenshots or advertisements showing the claimant's sex trafficking through Backpage or CityXGuide
• Medical or psychological reports, summaries or plans
• Pharmacy records and receipts for expenses
• Documentation of lost wages, such as estimates of hours/days trafficked and any evidence of payment rates
• For representatives, legal documents showing authority to act (e.g., birth certificate, court order, will or letters testamentary)

All documentation should be copies not originals. Claimants are advised to keep copies of everything they submit.

Important dates

• Deadline to file a claim: Feb. 2, 2026

Why did this remission happen?

The Department of Justice found Backpage.com facilitated sex trafficking, including the trafficking of minors, by hosting prostitution-related advertisements. The DOJ seized the websites in April 2018 and pursued criminal and civil actions against its owners and executives.

It is using the forfeited assets to compensate victims for their financial losses.

Sources

1. DOJ press release, July 31, 2025
2. Settlement FAQ
3. Petition form