If you are a user of backpage.com. But now you are not able to browse the website, and you want to know why it goes shutdown. In this article, we will provide answers to all questions related to backpage alternatives, backpage websites. Also, we will tell you the best backpage replacement websites which you can use in 2019.
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Contents
What is Backpage?
It was an online classified advertising platform that allows people to post and sell their new and old goods and services. This site was launched in 2004 and created by Michael Lacy. Like all other classified ad companies, this website also allowed users to post any ads. The website got popularity when they added an adult section on January 9, 2017. This website becomes the best replacement for craigslist personals which were also shut down due to a similar issue.
On April 6, 2018, when the site was on its peak of popularity US Department of Justice seized it due to human trafficking, illegal and criminals ads, money laundering, and especially of underage children’s trafficking.
After proved illegal activities on the website. The state of California files a case on December 23, 2016, against the owner Carl Ferrer and later he gets prison for involvement in money laundering and pimping.
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Reasons behind Shutdown
As we mentioned earlier, backpage.com seized on April 6, 2019, from the US Department of Justice and it seized due to illegal activities.
Due to the following reasons, backpage seized.
- Publishing Illegal and criminal ads
- Involved in money laundering
- Underage child trafficking
According to 51 state Attorney generals, the website posts around 1 million prostitution ads daily, and most of the trafficking cases linked to these ads.
In another report from Permanent Subcommittee, 73% of child and 15-year-old girl trafficking cases linked to backpage website.
Another reason that caused the website shut down is that the owner and employees are involved in different cases such as money laundering and allowing users to post illegal and criminal’s ads.
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Website Net Worth
According to the US senate report in 2014, backpage.com worth $315 million in 2015, the worth of the website was around $600 million. Most of the ads are illegal on the website. The major revenue source of the website is the ad. Almost ads generated 83% of the total income as per the report from different sources.
Backpage Alternative Websites 2020
If you are a user of backpage.com. But now you are not able to browse the website then check out this list of best backpage alternatives
Below you will see the list of best backpage replacement sites. In this list, 3 websites have a personals section which is similar to the one in the craigslist. While other listed websites are also useful.
1. Bedpage
It is a closest and pretty much similar site. You can use this website. As of now, it is the best replacement site for the backpage. Bedpage is also a popular website in the USA. It is mainly used for posting different types of classified ads.
2. Locanto
We choose Locanto as our second top choice. Locanto is a free classified website that offers users to post their ads for buying or selling their products from all around the world. You can use locanto for free without creating an account, but its better you make your account because when you have an account, you can access many features such as.
- You can post your ads, and also you can save other users ads
- Make your favorite list
- Give your rates on other users ads
- You can access the messaging center and post answers and questions
- Get updates and announcements regularly
You can also access the locanto app by Yalwa on App Store and Google Play store, and it is compatible with your iPhone and Android smartphones. Locanto allows you to customize your ads fully, and it allows you to post 20 images for each ad.
Key features:
- Available in all countries
- No popup ads or malware links
- Paid features allow you post Gallery ad, Top ad, and Premium ad.
3. Classified ads
ClassifiedAds.com allows users to post ads for buying and selling cars, Pets, Personals, and Services. In this website, you have to go to the personals section. This section surely helps you to replace the need for back page website.
The website is entirely free to post ads, listings. Also, they have a premium subscription where the user can access advanced features. It allows you to link your ads but make sure you do not use any affiliate link, spam, or junk mail because in their terms of use section they mentioned we do not allow these types of things.
Similar to Locanto website, their app is available on the Google play store you can use on your smartphone.
Key features:
- Easy to navigate with a complete guide
- After publishing ad allows you to make changes such as you can change the expiry date of ads.
- Available from every corner of the world in complete free
4. Pernals
Pernals is an online dating website that offers users to find a serious relationship or find a girl/boy to go outside for hiking, dancing, etc. The website Pernals not affiliated with any website they provide all services by themselves.
You can use Pernals on the mobile app as well. The layout of the website and app is simple and easy to navigate.
Key features:
- Helps you to find your partner anonymously
- Blue and white color combination
5. Oodle
Oodle is another backpage replacement site. Since 2005 website provides classified ads offers to users. The interface of the site is super simple and straightforward. You can buy and sell old and new all types of vehicles, pets, property, etc. It is a 100% legit website, and they are available on facebook you can join them. You can create an account on Oodle.com.
Keep in mind that Oodle does not allow you to post or edit ads and listings from mobile. If you want to post an ad or list, make sure you browse the website using a desktop.
Key features:
- Vast and active community on facebook
- Easy to navigate and simple interface
- No adult content and services
6. GumTree
Gumtree is also a classified ads website. It is one of the top classified ads websites in the United kingdom. The site launched in 2000 and the owner of the website is eBay. The website has a significant following on social media. On twitter 35,000 and facebook 471,000 people follow GumTree.com. You can use their app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play store. They offer users to post free and paid ads.
Gumtree is a great place to post ads to buy or sell cars, pets, property, services, motorcycles, and much more, and also it is an excellent alternative to backpage.com.
Frequently asked questions
Q1. Is backpage.com safe?
Is backpage.com safe or not the answer to this question is that it’s not and why not you can see it in this picture.
Q2. Is it replacement sites available?
Yes, websites we mention in the alternative section of this post are great backpage replacement sites. Check each of them and tell us your opinion in the comment section.
Q3. What are the closest sites which are pretty similar to it?
Bedpage.com is a website that has all the similar features and functions.
Q4. Is it safe to post ad sites on such sites?
After the seized of backpage.com, there is no more discussion, and straightforward answer is no, it is not safe to post ads on such sites.
Conclusion
Backpage was one of the best online classified ads; unfortunately, due to involve in illegal activities website was seized. No doubt the name of backpage.com well known for a long time and it was the right decision from the US Department of Justice.
Do not waste your time to find classified ads and dating websites here and there. We share with you the best websites alternative to backpage.com. Each site is 100% legit and legal to use. Browse all websites for one time and tell us in the comments section which one you like most.
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