Finally! Justice for Backpage Victims, But It's About Damn Time!

It's been a long and agonizing wait, but today, the Department of Justice (DOJ) finally announced a major move: the Backpage remission process. This isn't just some small gesture; it's the largest effort ever to compensate victims of human trafficking whose lives were shattered by that disgusting website.

For fourteen goddamn years, from 2004 until April 2018, Backpage was a cesspool. It was the go-to online platform for commercial sex and, sickeningly, sex trafficking, including children. While the scumbags running Backpage made millions, countless lives were destroyed. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti hit the nail on the head: these executives lined their pockets by exploiting vulnerable women and children. It's infuriating to think about.

U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine and the FBI's Assistant Director Jose A. Perez deserve credit for their relentless pursuit of these criminals. And IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Guy Ficco is right – money always leaves a trail, and it's about time these monsters' profits were seized to help their victims.

We all remember when the government finally shut down Backpage.com in April 2018. It was a victory, but the fight wasn't over. Since then, the owners and executives have been convicted and sentenced to federal prison – good riddance. And now, the DOJ has successfully forfeited over $200 million of Backpage's dirty money. This isn't just a number; these are the funds that will finally go to the victims who deserve it most.

Are YOU a Victim? Here’s What You Need to Know, NOW!

If your sex trafficking was facilitated through ads on Backpage.com between January 1, 2004, and April 6, 2018, and you suffered financial losses, you may be eligible for compensation. This includes individuals, their representatives, or even the estates of deceased victims.

The DOJ has brought in Epiq Global Inc. (Epiq) to handle this process, and here's how you can get started:

File Online: Get your petition in at https://www.backpageremission.com/. You can also grab a Petition Form there.

Contact Epiq Directly: If you prefer, call, email, or write to them, and they’ll send you a Petition Form.

DON'T DRAG YOUR FEET! The deadline to file your petition is February 2, 2026. That might sound like a long time, but it will be here before you know it.

Get the Information You Deserve!

For all the details – eligibility, updates, FAQs – head over to https://www.backpageremission.com/.

Or, if you need to talk to someone, contact Epiq:

Toll-free: 1-888-859-9206

International calls: 1-971-316-5053 (charges may apply)

AND LISTEN UP: Neither Epiq nor the Justice Department will EVER ask you for money to participate in this process. Don't fall for any scams trying to exploit you again.

This is a long-overdue step towards righting some horrific wrongs. If you or someone you know was a victim, make sure they get what they rightfully deserve. It's time these survivors finally see some justice.

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