Backpage Remission Program (Open)
T.K. Sheth Law LLC d/b/a The Law Shed — Illinois-licensed, virtual law firm assisting participants in the Backpage Remission Program
Ongoing Live Client Intake
About the Program
Program Overview
The U.S. Department of Justice has established the Backpage Remission Program to compensate victims of sex trafficking whose trafficking was facilitated through advertisements on Backpage.com and/or CityXGuide.com. With over $200 million in forfeited assets available, this is the largest federal remission program to date for victims of human trafficking.
Background
Backpage.com launched in 2004 as an online classified advertising website. Over time, it became the internet's leading platform for commercial sex advertisements. Federal prosecutors established that Backpage's owners and executives knowingly profited from advertisements linked to prostitution and sex trafficking—including the trafficking of minors—while developing systems to conceal the illegal nature of these ads.
In April 2018, the U.S. government seized Backpage.com. Its executives were subsequently convicted of conspiracy to facilitate prostitution and money laundering. CityXGuide emerged after Backpage's closure and operated until its seizure in June 2020.
Many individuals advertised on these platforms experienced trafficking, even if they did not recognize it at the time. Trafficking does not require physical force. Examples of trafficking may include situations where someone else controlled the money, made decisions about clients or services, used manipulation or threats, exploited a drug dependency, or took advantage of a person's age or circumstances. If you are unsure whether your experience qualifies, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss your situation.
Eligibility
You may be eligible for compensation if:
You were a victim of sex trafficking and were advertised on Backpage.com between January 1, 2004 and April 6, 2018; OR
You were a victim of sex trafficking and were advertised on CityXGuide.com between April 8, 2018 and June 19, 2020; AND
You suffered monetary and/or behavioral health losses supported by documentation
You do NOT need to:
Have reported your trafficking to law enforcement
Testify or appear in court
Identify your trafficker (this field is optional on the petition)
Be a U.S. citizen
Who else may file:
Legal representatives or estates of deceased victims
Parents or guardians on behalf of minors or incapacitated individuals
Deadline:
All petitions must be submitted by February 2, 2026
Compensable Losses
The following categories of documented losses may be eligible for compensation:
Medical expenses related to trafficking
Behavioral health expenses (therapy, counseling, and other treatment)
Lost wages
Funeral expenses (for estates, if death resulted from trafficking)
Losses NOT eligible:
Pain and suffering (physical or emotional)
Damages unrelated to sex trafficking on Backpage or CityXGuide
Required Documentation
Your petition must include documentation supporting your losses. Acceptable documentation includes:
Emails, text messages, or screenshots showing trafficking through Backpage or CityXGuide
Copies of advertisements
Medical or psychological reports, summaries, or plans
Receipts for medical or mental health services
Documentation of lost wages
The petition form also requests information regarding aliases, email addresses, phone numbers, and trafficker names (optional) to verify your eligibility.
Important:
Submit copies only—do not send original documents
Do not highlight any portion of your petition or supporting documents
Keep copies of everything you submit
How to File
Option 1: File on Your Own (Free)
You may file your petition directly with the Remission Administrator at no cost:
Online: www.backpageremission.com
By Mail: Backpage Remission, Remission Administrator, P.O. Box 2890, Portland, OR 97208-2890
By Email: info@BackpageRemission.com
Phone: 1-888-859-9206
Option 2: Retain The Law Shed
The Law Shed can assist you with preparing and filing your remission petition. Our services include gathering documentation, completing the petition form, and ensuring your submission is filed correctly and on time.
Client Intake Process
Step 1: Complete Online Intake Form or Call the Office
Step 2: Execute Engagement Agreement & Designated Agent Agreement
Step 3: Our office will review submissions and respond within 72 hours regarding acceptance of engagement.
For questions, contact the office at 312-219-2447 or Attorney Sheth at 847-529-8279 (cell).
What You Will Need
Aliases, email addresses, and phone numbers used during the trafficking period
Trafficker names (if known—not required)
Documentation supporting your losses (medical records, receipts, wage documentation)
Important Information
Cost: There are no filing fees to submit a petition. You do not need an attorney and may file on your own for free. However, you have the right to retain an attorney if you choose.
Payment Amounts: The amount each eligible petitioner receives depends on the total number of approved petitions and the documented losses submitted.
If You Need Help: If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you need resources related to a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888.
Attorney Advertising Disclosures
This information is provided by T.K. Sheth Law LLC d/b/a The Law Shed, an independent law firm assisting participants in the Backpage Remission Program.
Petitioners are not required to retain legal counsel. You may file a petition on your own directly with the Remission Administrator at www.backpageremission.com, or you have the right to hire an attorney if you choose.
Submitting a petition does not guarantee payment. Eligibility and payment amounts are determined solely by the DOJ and Remission Administrator.
All information provided will be used solely for petition processing and is protected under applicable confidentiality laws and rules of professional responsibility.
No attorney-client relationship is formed unless and until a written engagement agreement is executed by both parties.
This material constitutes attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Attorney Tanvi K. Sheth is licensed in Illinois. The Law Shed's representation is limited to administrative petition filing and does not include legal advice outside Illinois unless permitted under applicable rules.
Fee Disclosure: Representation is on a 30% contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs or expenses charged to the client.
© 2025 T.K. Sheth Law LLC d/b/a The Law Shed. This is an advertisement for legal services.
Office Line: 312-219-2447 | Email: hi@thelawshed.com