Some of the websites that I have come across are a little shady and look like they are trying to scam a customer
You're going to find it very difficult, if not impossible, to find an apartment on your own. You will need the help of an OLDER, experienced Polish colleague who knows the market and knows what to look for. For example, bad windows can increase your heating costs in winter. And an apartment in a bad location can mean a complicated commute that can be time consuming and nasty in winter. And after chatting with the landlord, they will know who is a shyster, and who is good. They can negotiate a lower rent than you could.
Forget about looking on internet sites. You're going to end up paying premium or with a substandard apartment in a bad location.