Is it common for inmates to tell their moms that they’re going to be paroled and they need money on their books for ankle monitors and for greyhound bus tickets to get home and then they never get released is that a scam or something

It is possible that it is partially correct. But is sounds a little fishy. Paroled inmates are oftentimes provided transportation and we've never heard that the inmate had to pay for ankle monitoring, but it's possible that they now charge. We would encourage you to contact the facility and ask to speak with a counselor that is in charge of your inmate's re-entry. They will know 100% what is real and what is not.