I know that during the McCarthy Era, people accused as being communists were asked to give names of other communists. I was wondering if it was true that if accused people gave names then they would be let off the hook? Thanks.

No, not true. Senator McCarty, and his Republican allies, were out to destroy Democrats. They didn't give a dang if the folks were Communists or not, they just were destroyers of many good people.

Here in Texas, some of them are still hanging round.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_McCarthy

Well, either way, was it true that if people gave names then they would be let off the hook?

During the McCarthy Era, Senator Joseph McCarthy initiated a period of intense anti-communist sentiment in the United States. As part of his efforts, he conducted investigations into alleged communist activity, particularly within the government and entertainment industry. The process which involved accused individuals giving names of other communists is commonly referred to as "naming names."

While it is true that some accused individuals cooperated and provided names of suspected communists in an attempt to avoid or mitigate the consequences, there is no guarantee that doing so would necessarily "let them off the hook" or ensure their exoneration.

In many cases, those who cooperated and identified others were still subjected to extensive investigations, public scrutiny, and potential consequences such as loss of employment or damage to their reputations. The testimonies of those who named names were often subject to further investigation and verification, and some individuals faced legal repercussions as well.

It is important to highlight that this period in American history was marked by an atmosphere of fear, suspicion, and hysteria, rather than a fair and just legal process. Many individuals who were accused, whether guilty or innocent, faced significant personal and professional repercussions as a result.

If you are interested in learning more about this period or the specific experiences of individuals during the McCarthy Era, I suggest exploring books, documentaries, and articles written on the subject. These sources can provide a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the complex social and political dynamics of that time.