Backpage Death Threats: A Guide for Victims

I have witnessed the devastating impact Backpage death threats have on individuals. The fear, anxiety, and vulnerability victims experience is palpable. This toxic mix of emotions is only compounded by the confusion about what to do next. The entire experience can feel like being caught out at sea in the middle of a hurricane. But all hope is not lost.

As an experienced advocate who has successfully represented numerous clients facing extortionate threats and other forms of online harassment, I promise that you can weather this storm. There are advisable steps that can be implemented to effectively safeguard your well-being and guide you to a safe harbor.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through the process of understanding Backpage death threats, assessing their credibility, and taking appropriate responsive action. Drawing from my years of experience handling cyber extortion cases, I will provide you with practical and actionable advice on how to navigate this seemingly untenable situation and regain that necessary sense of control over your life.

Understanding Backpage Death Threats

Backpage death threats are a form of cyber extortion and online harassment, which typically involve demands for money under threat of public shaming or physical violence against someone who has visited the now-defunct Backpage.com website. The same scheme can originate on similar platforms, such as Backlist.com, AshleyMadison.com (AM), Seeking.com (Seeking Arrangement), AdultFriendFinder.com (AFF), Hot.com, AdultSearch.com, OnDate.com, SecretHostess.com, and even CraigsList.com, targeting individuals who have attempted to use escort services or engage in sugar dating.

Common characteristics of Backpage death threats include:

• Personal information about the victim, such as their name, address, or family members;
• Demands for money or other forms of extortion;
• Claims of association with organized crime groups or drug cartels;
• Threats of violent acts or malicious intentions;
• Horrific photographs of other victims who purportedly refused to cooperate.

Important to recognize is that while some threats are mere attempts at intimidation, others may present a genuine risk of harm. In either circumstance, it is essential to take all such situations seriously, and it is never a bad idea to seek the assistance of an experienced professional to at least assess the risk.

Assessing the Credibility of Threats

When faced with a Backpage death threat or similar scheme, the first step is to assess the threat’s credibility to determine what sort of responsive action, if any, is needed.

1. Screen for credibility: Be sure to screen all threats for phishing attempts. These would be emails or messages that are sent to thousands of potential victims, hoping someone bites at the bait. Look for specific information about you or your loved ones or specific references to interactions you may have had in the past, online or otherwise. Phishing attempts tend to be very general and non-specific. However, AI technology is allowing them to become more targeted, such as including your home address and a photo of your residence from Google Maps. Actual threats tend to have very detailed references to you and some previous action by you that concerns the threat, such as utilizing a backpage-type service. If the perpetrator claims to have photos or video of you or screenshots of your private conversations, those images or videos will likely be sent along with the threat if it is not a phishing scheme.
2. Consider the source: Attempt to identify the individual behind the threat. If the threat comes from a known source, consider their potential motives and willingness to carry out the threat. If it is coming from someone in your local area and includes threats of physical harm, law enforcement should be alerted immediately.
3. Find a support network: If a threat feels genuinely concerning or dangerous, seek assistance from someone you trust. Your health and safety should always be the top priority. A good support network can provide critical peace of mind and help you assess the credibility of the threat.

If you feel overwhelmed by the situation, contacting a qualified attorney who specializes in internet-related cases, or some other licensed professional, may be advisable. A knowledgeable personal representative can provide a helpful perspective and, if necessary, develop a plan to address a credible threat directly.

Legal Rights and Protections for Victims

When dealing with Backpage death threats, it is important to keep in mind that you are the victim of a crime. You should understand your legal rights and the protections available to you. In my role as the Managing Attorney at Minc Law, I have successfully litigated cases involving forms of online harassment in both state and federal court. While the specific laws may vary depending on your jurisdiction, here is a general overview of the legal rights and protections available to victims:

1. Criminal laws: All jurisdictions have laws that criminalize threats of violence against another person. Depending on the nature and severity of the threat, the perpetrator may face charges such as assault, menacing, stalking, or even terrorism. When demands for money accompany the threat, as most all Backpage death threats are, then crimes such as extortion and coercion may come into play.
2. Civil laws: Victims also have the option to pursue civil remedies, such as a restraining or protective order or a lawsuit for injunctive relief or monetary damages. Frequently, the first step in such a civil lawsuit would be to unmask (identify) the perpetrator, which can potentially be accomplished through the issuance of subpoenas to the online platforms and service providers the perpetrator uses. This process can effectively deter further adverse actions and create a judicial mechanism to obtain necessary relief.

Contrary to common assumption, the website or platform where the threat originated almost never has any legal exposure for failing to adequately protect its users. The Communications Decency Act (CDA) Section 230 provides broad immunity to online platforms for the actions of their users, prohibiting any claim against interactive service providers such as Backpage and the similar websites listed earlier.

The table below provides a brief overview of the potential legal options available to victims of backpage death threats:

It is important to note that pursuing legal action can be a complex, expensive, and emotionally challenging process. As an attorney who has guided countless clients through similar situations, I always recommend consulting with a qualified legal professional to discuss your options and develop a tailored strategy based on your available means and your specific needs and goals.

Reporting Backpage Death Threats

If you have received a credible Backpage death threat, reporting it to the appropriate authorities is important to best protect your safety and possibly hold the perpetrator accountable. Based on my experience handling these matters, here are the available options and advisable steps to take when a threat is credible enough to be reported to law enforcement:

1. Contact local law enforcement: If you believe the threat is credible and there is any possibility you are in imminent danger, contact your local police department or call 911. Provide them with as much detail as possible about the threat and the perpetrator. If you know the perpetrator and they are not in your local area, contact the police department, which covers their locale as well.
2. Report to the FBI: If the threat involves interstate communications or otherwise comes within federal jurisdiction, you should also report the threat to the FBI. You can submit a report online through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or contact your local FBI field office.

If the threat was made on or through a social media platform or website, you may also report it to the platform’s moderation team. Most platforms have a process for reporting abusive or threatening content and may elect to remove the content or ban the user.

Either before or concurrently with exercising any of those options, you should be sure to preserve the evidence. Create screenshots or screen recordings of the threatening messages and save all pictures sent to you, especially if done so through an app from which messages can disappear. Be sure to save any and all related emails, texts, or voicemails. This evidence may be needed no matter whether you decide to report the threat to the authorities or if you otherwise desire to take legal action.

When reporting a threat, be prepared to provide the following information:

• Your name, contact information, and relationship to the perpetrator (if known);
• The date, time, and platform where the threat was made;
• The exact language and content of the threat;
• Any additional context or background information about the situation;
• Evidence of the threat, such as screenshots or recordings.

Remember, your safety and well-being are the top priority. If you are unsure about how to proceed or feel overwhelmed by the reporting process, consider retaining legal counsel or working with a victim advocacy organization for guidance and support.

Protecting Your Safety and Well-Being

As someone who has worked closely with victims of Backpage death threats and other forms of cyber extortion and online harassment, I have witnessed the profound impact these experiences can have on individuals and, potentially, their loved ones as well. Any qualified advocate or counselor will tell you that it is essential to prioritize your safety and well-being at all times.

You do not need to wait for a crisis to implement unfortunately necessary protective measures in today’s digital world. Here are some practical tips for safeguarding your physical safety and online security:

1. Trust your instincts: If a situation or interaction feels unsafe or threatening, remove yourself from it and seek help immediately.
2. Strengthen your online privacy: Review your social media accounts and online profiles to ensure that your personal information, such as your home address or personal phone number, is not so easy to find online. Consider using stronger privacy settings and limiting the amount of personal information you share online. Seek removal, with the help of legal counsel as necessary, of your personal information from data broker sites such as BeenVerified.com, TruePeopleSearch.com, and PeopleFinder.com.
3. Secure your devices: Use unique passwords for all of your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Keep your software and applications up to date to protect against potential security vulnerabilities.
4. Be cautious about online interactions: Be wary of sharing personal information or engaging with unknown individuals online, particularly if they make unusual requests or seem overly interested in you. Be very weary of profiles of attractive individuals who are aggressively flirtatious as most of these profiles are fake and created for the specific purpose of scamming unsuspecting individuals online.
5. Develop a safety plan: Under the theory that you can never be too cautious, it is not a bad idea to plan for a bad scenario before it even happens. Create a safety plan to implement should a threat ever arise. That plan should identify safe places to go, designate trusted contacts, and create a method to keep important documents and evidence readily accessible.

You can implement these safeguards yourself or with the advice and assistance of a qualified professional, with the caveat that you should be able to verify the identity and understand the qualifications of whomever you retain. There are qualified attorneys, cyber security experts, and reputable advocacy groups which can be consulted. But be sure not to contract with someone just because they assign to themselves a fancy title (e.g., Cyber Investigative Forensics expert) that has no real meaning or qualifications.

Finding Support and Resources

If and when a credible Backpage death threat is received, do remember that you do not have to face this challenge alone. There are numerous support services and resources available to help you cope with the impact.

Here are some organizations and resources that may be helpful:

1. Victim Connect Resource Center offers confidential assistance and referrals for victims of crime, including online harassment and threats. Call 1-855-4-VICTIM (1-855-484-2846) or visit victimconnect.org.
2. Cyber Civil Rights Legal Project provides assistance and support for victims of online harassment, including assistance with obtaining restraining orders and pursuing legal action. Visit cyberrightsproject.org for more information.
3. National Domestic Violence Hotline offers 24/7 support, resources, and referrals for victims of domestic violence, including online harassment and threats. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org.
4. Online SOS provides a directory of resources and support services for victims of online harassment, including counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy. Visit onlinesos.org to access their resources.
5. Therapy and counseling services: Consider seeking the support of a mental health professional who can help you process your emotions and develop coping strategies. Many therapists offer online or teletherapy services, making it easier to access support from the comfort of your own home.

In addition to these formal resources, there are also online forums and communities where you can connect with other survivors of online harassment and threats. Sharing your experiences and receiving support from others who have faced similar challenges can be comforting for some people.

Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. By reaching out for help and utilizing the resources available to you, you are taking an important step toward reclaiming your safety, well-being, and peace of mind.

Reclaiming Your Peace of Mind: Your Roadmap to Safety and Justice

Backpage death threats can leave victims feeling powerless, afraid, and unsure of where to turn. But there is a path forward. By understanding your legal rights, reporting the threat to the appropriate authorities, and seeking support from qualified professionals, you can take back control of your life and pursue justice on your own terms.

Throughout this guide, we have covered the key steps to handling backpage death threats, including:

1. Understanding the nature and characteristics of these threats;
2. Assessing the credibility of the threat and documenting evidence;
3. Knowing your legal rights and options for pursuing justice;
4. Reporting the threat to law enforcement and online platforms;
5. Protecting your physical safety and online privacy;
6. Prioritizing your emotional well-being and seeking support.

Based on my professional experience dealing with Backpage death threats and similar scams, I know firsthand the courage and resilience it takes to confront these challenges head-on. I have seen clients go from feeling hopeless and afraid to reclaiming their sense of safety and empowerment in a matter of days, if not mere hours. The same is certainly possible for you.

By reaching out to qualified legal professionals, victim advocacy organizations, and trusted support systems, you can build a network of allies who will stand with you every step of the way. Together, we can protect your rights and create a safer online environment for all.

How Minc Law Can Help You Fight Back Against Backpage Death Threats

At Minc Law, we are committed to providing the highest level of legal representation and support to victims of online harassment and threats. My team of experienced attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling cases involving Backpage death threats and similar scams. We can help you:

1. Assess the credibility of the threat: We will carefully review the details of the threat and provide an honest assessment of its legitimacy and potential legal options.
2. Document and preserve evidence: Our team will guide you through the process of collecting and preserving critical evidence, ensuring that you have the strongest possible security, or more of an offensive posture if that is what you desire.
3. Report the threat: We can assist you in reporting credible threats to the appropriate law enforcement agencies and online platforms, advocating on your behalf to ensure that your concerns are taken seriously and handled correctly.
4. Pursue legal action: Our attorneys will explore all available legal options, including criminal charges and civil lawsuits, to hold your perpetrator accountable and safeguard your well-being.
5. Provide ongoing support and guidance: We understand that dealing with Backpage death threats can be an emotionally challenging process, and we are here to provide the support and guidance you need until you are clear of the threat.

If you are currently facing a Backpage death threat or any form of online harassment, do not hesitate to explore your options without delay. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. Together, we can work to ensure that your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and your safety is secured.

Call Minc Law today at (216) 373-7706, chat with us online, or fill out our online contact form to get started on your path toward restoring your safety and security.