DOJ Announces Compensation Process for People Trafficked Through Backpage.com

The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the launch of the Backpage remission process to compensate people whose trafficking was facilitated through the Backpage.com website. In December 2024, DOJ forfeited over $200 million in assets traceable to Backpage’s profits. These funds are now available to compensate trafficking survivors for eligible losses.

People whose sex trafficking was facilitated through advertisements posted on Backpage.com 1/1/04-4/6/18 and who incurred financial losses related to their trafficking may be eligible for remission. Such individuals, their representatives, or their estates may file a petition online or may obtain a Petition Form online at backpageremission.com, or call, email, or write to the Remission Administrator to request that a Petition Form be sent to them. The deadline to file a petition for remission is 2/2/26.