You did not answer the question. And how exactly can your past employer "make sure" that you do not have another job? I do not get your remark about the refere

You did not answer the question. And how exactly can your past employer "make sure" that you do not have another job? I do not get your remark about the references check. If your potential future employer will be interested in references from your past employers and if they find out something which raises concerns, they should want to hear your side of the story as well. You will get every chance to explain what exactly happened and why you acted as you did. If they do not like it, you probably would not want to work for them anyway. In any case, do not get intimidated and do not worry too much about the loss of income. It will be temporary. You have all the freedom to choose your next employer. Do so wisely.