Avoiding Scams After Release
How to protect yourself, your money, and your freedom.
Reentry is hard enough without someone trying to steal from you.
Unfortunately, people coming home from jail or prison are actively targeted by scammers. Not because you're careless — but because scammers assume you're under pressure, short on resources, and trying to move fast.
This guide explains the most common reentry scams, how to spot red flags immediately, and what to do if you're unsure whether something is legitimate.
This isn't about fear.
It's about protection.
From Felon Friendly Jobs Now — serving 70+ million Americans with records.
THE GOLDEN RULE (MEMORIZE THIS)
Real help never requires upfront payment, secrecy, or urgency.
If someone says:
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"You have to act now"
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"This is guaranteed"
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"Don't tell your PO"
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"Pay first, then we'll release the money"
It's a scam. Period.
If something feels urgent, pause. Scams depend on speed. Real help allows time.
Why People Are Targeted After Release
Scammers look for people who are:
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Urgently seeking housing or work
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Worried about supervision compliance
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Lacking access to banks or credit
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Unfamiliar with online systems
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Trying to "fix everything fast"
That combination makes reentry one of the highest-risk moments for financial exploitation. If someone pressures you, rushes you, or demands money upfront — stop.
The 6 Most Common Reentry Scams
Know these scams before they find you:
🚨SCAM #1: FAKE JOB OFFERS
How it works:
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Someone offers a job immediately
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High pay, little detail
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No interview or vague "remote work"
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Asks for fees, equipment money, or your SSN upfront
Red flags:
⚠️ "Guaranteed hiring"
⚠️ Gmail/WhatsApp/Telegram communication only
⚠️ Requests payment to "secure" the job
✓ TRUTH: Real employers do not charge you to work.
🚨 SCAM #2: HOUSING & RENTAL SCAMS
How it works:
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Fake landlord or listing
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Asks for deposit before viewing
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Claims they're "out of town"
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Says background checks are "no problem" if you pay extra
Red flags:
⚠️ Refuses to show property in person
⚠️ Wants money via Cash App, Zelle, gift cards
⚠️ No written lease
✓ TRUTH: Never send money for housing you haven't seen in person.
🚨 SCAM #3: GRANT & "FREE MONEY" SCAMS
How it works:
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Claims you've been "approved"
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Asks for processing fees or taxes
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Uses words like "government-funded" without .gov email
Red flags:
⚠️ You didn't apply
⚠️ Guaranteed approval
⚠️ Requests payment to receive money
✓ TRUTH: Real grants never require upfront fees.
🚨 SCAM #4: EXPUNGEMENT & RECORD-CLEARING SCAMS
How it works:
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Promises instant expungement
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Claims "inside connections"
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Charges high fees without explaining eligibility
Red flags:
⚠️ Guarantees clearing your record
⚠️ Won't explain the legal process
⚠️ Avoids written contracts
✓ TRUTH: Expungement depends on state law and eligibility. No one can guarantee it.
🚨 SCAM #5: CREDIT REPAIR & BUSINESS CREDIT SCAMS
How it works:
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Promises to "wipe" bad credit
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Claims secret methods
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Charges hundreds or thousands upfront
Red flags:
⚠️ "Instant credit score boost"
⚠️ Tells you to lie on applications
⚠️ Wants your SSN via text or email
✓ TRUTH: There are no legal shortcuts to credit repair.
🚨 SCAM #6: FAKE LEGAL HELP
How it works:
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Pretends to be a lawyer or "legal advisor"
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Offers advice without credentials
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Asks for payment without retainer or license info
Red flags:
⚠️ Won't give bar number
⚠️ Uses only messaging apps
⚠️ Discourages you from verifying them
✓ TRUTH: Real legal aid is licensed, documented, and verifiable.
The Top 10 Red Flags (Memorize These)
If you see ANY of these — walk away:
🚩 1. Upfront fees for jobs, grants, or housing
🚩 2. Guaranteed approval or outcomes
🚩 3. Pressure to act immediately
🚩 4. Requests for payment via gift cards
🚩 5. Communication only through WhatsApp/Telegram
🚩 6. Requests for SSN or documents via text
🚩 7. No written contract or paperwork
🚩 8. Tells you to hide information from your PO
🚩 9. Refuses to meet in person or video call
🚩 10. Sounds too good to be true
Safe Sources You Can Trust
Use these before responding to offers:
✅ VERIFIED RESOURCES
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211 — Verified local resources for housing, jobs, services
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SBDCs (Small Business Development Centers) — Free business & grant guidance
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LawHelp.org — Legitimate free legal help by state
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FFJN State Guides — Verified employers & resources
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Your PO or Case Manager — Ask first if unsure about any offer
Asking questions protects you. It does not make you look weak.
What To Do If You're Unsure
Before you send money, documents, or information:
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Pause — don't let anyone rush you
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Screenshot or save the message — keep evidence
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Ask someone you trust: your PO, a case manager, a trusted family member, or a verified organization
⚠️ Key point: If they pressure you NOT to verify — it's a scam.
What If You've Already Been Scammed?
Do not panic — and do not hide it.
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Stop all contact immediately
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Save all messages, receipts, and screenshots
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Contact your bank or card provider — they may be able to stop or reverse charges
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Report it
📋 WHERE TO REPORT SCAMS
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FTC.gov/complaint — Federal Trade Commission
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Your state Attorney General — Search "[your state] AG scam report"
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Your PO — if it affects your finances or compliance
Being honest early is far better than letting damage spread.
Protecting Yourself Is Part of Reentry Success
Avoiding scams isn't about being suspicious of everyone. It's about:
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Slowing down
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Verifying help
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Protecting your freedom
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Protecting your family
Real progress doesn't require shortcuts.
FINAL REMINDER
If someone asks for money, secrecy, or urgency — stop.
You worked too hard to get here to lose ground to a scam.
Related Guides:
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[Link: State Employment Guides] — Find verified second-chance employers
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[Link: Housing After Release] — Legitimate housing resources
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[Link: Building Business Credit] — Real credit-building (no scams)
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[Link: LLC Formation Guide] — Start a business legitimately
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[Link: Expungement Guide] — Understand your real options