The $11 Worm on a Hook

How a shiny new app had me swimming away

I’ll admit it — I took the bait. A famous influencer I follow had been playing and promoting this shiny little app, making it look like fun and easy money. I wasn’t planning to spend a dime, but curiosity? That’s free.

So, I downloaded the game. And wouldn’t you know it, the hook was already set.

I’m not new to bait and switch. I’ve been around long enough, seen plenty of promises dangled in front of me like worms on a line. But this one? It came wrapped in $11 worth of “winnings.” Just enough to look close, like something I could reach out and grab. But the whole time, it felt off — like a worm wriggling a little too perfectly, hiding something sharp underneath.