Backpage $215M Sex Trafficking Victim Settlement
By Steve Levine
Photo Credit: Google | Published: September 14, 2025
Deadline: February 2, 2026
Payout Award: Varies
You may be part of a new program
You may be part of a new remission program administered by the U.S. Department of Justice related to Backpage and CityXGuide. Authorities allege these sites were used to facilitate sex trafficking. Victims who were advertised on these websites during specific timeframes may qualify for financial compensation for documented losses.What is the Total Settlement Amount?
Eligible victims may receive remission payments from forfeited assets associated with Backpage or CityXGuide, potentially. The total settlement is estimated to be $215 million, although this is not yet clear from official documents.How Do I Qualify For a Payout?
You may qualify if you were a victim of sex trafficking and were advertised on:• Backpage between January 1, 2004 and April 6, 2018
• CityXGuide between April 8, 2018 and June 19, 2020
• Personal representatives may be able to file remission requests or submit claims on behalf of minors, incapacitated individuals, or deceased victims.
Why Consider a Lawyer for the Backpage Lawsuit?
While the Backpage matter is run as a DOJ program and petitions can be filed for free, many survivors choose to work with an attorney because the process can be overwhelming.Pre-Qualify
How Do I Know if I am Eligible for an Individual Case?
To be pre-qualifed and approved, you must provide detailed documentation of losses, often including:Copies of old advertisements, emails, or text messages
Medical and therapy records
Employment or wage records
Estate documents for deceased victims
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
A lawyer experienced in trafficking-related claims can:• Request and organize medical, therapy, and financial records on your behalf
• Collect evidence from digital archives or subpoena records that may be difficult to access
• Ensure all required information is presented clearly and completely
• Track deadlines and correspondence with the Remission Administrator
• Represent minors, incapacitated individuals, or estates with the correct court filings
Filing directly may seem simple, but omissions and errors could set your petition back months. A lawyer not only reduces that risk but also advocates for the fullest possible recovery of your documented losses. With professional support, you have someone focused on making sure your petition is as strong as it can be.
How Much Can I Get Paid?
Payments are based on documented monetary losses, including medical expenses, behavioral health treatment, lost wages, and certain funeral expenses for estates. Non-economic harms like pain and suffering and projected future income are not eligible.How Do I File a Claim?
Submit a petition form by February 2, 2026:- Online: BackpageRemission.com
- By Email: info@BackpageRemission.com
- By Mail: Backpage Remission, Remission Administrator, P.O. Box 2890, Portland, OR 97208-2890
Is Proof Required to File a Claim?
Yes. Provide copies of advertisements, emails, text messages, medical or therapy records, receipts, or other documentation supporting your losses. Do not send original documents.What are the Important Dates?
• Backpage eligibility period: January 1, 2004 to April 6, 2018
• CityXGuide eligibility period: April 8, 2018 to June 19, 2020
• Petition deadline: February 2, 2026
When is the payment date?
Payment timing has not been announced. Payments will be issued after petitions are reviewed and verified by the Remission Administrator.How is the Settlement Funded?
The DOJ remission program is funded by forfeited assets of Backpage and CityXGuide. Authority to grant settlements (or "remissions") rests with the U.S. Attorney General, delegated to the Chief of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) at DOJ. The whole Backpage settlement process is governed by 28 C.F.R. Part 9.What are Emergency Resources for Victims?
• Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
• U.S. Department of Justice Announces Compensation Process
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: (1-888-373-7888)
This Hotline connects survivors to emergency, transitional, or long-term services. The DOJ's Office for Victims of Crime & HHS's Office on Trafficking in Persons are also great further resources for any potential sex trafficking victims.
Submit Claim
Sources
• Official Remission Website• Office on Violence Against Women (OVW)
• Petition form instructions provided by the Remission Administrator
Filing Information
This page is for informational purposes. OpenClassActions.com is not the administrator or a law firm. For help with your petition, contact the Remission Administrator or consult an attorney.
Backpage $215M Sex Trafficking Settlement
Status: Open to Claims
Submit Claim
RoundUp Cancer Lawsuits: How to Qualify
Status: Open to Claims
Submit Claim| Program Summary | |
| Status | Active Remission Program |
|---|---|
| Petition Deadline | February 2, 2026 |
| Settlement Amount | No fixed fund. Payments from forfeited assets based on documented losses |
| Category | Remission - trafficking related losses |
| Estimated Payout per Person | Varies by documented losses and program review |
| Proof Required | Yes, documentation of eligibility and losses required |
| Backpage Eligibility | January 1, 2004 to April 6, 2018 |
| CityXGuide Eligibility | April 8, 2018 to June 19, 2020 |
| Individual Claims | How to Qualify |
| Program Website | BackpageRemission.com |
| Administrator | Remission Administrator - contact via website or info@BackpageRemission.com |