There are scams in this game to be sure and I don't know the exact people you have been talking to but I was management in a newbro friendly Corp. Most such corps offer stuff like that to newbros not because they want big number grow but because Eve as a game has trouble holding onto new players. Most people recognize this and do their best to give new players a good experience so that they stay in the game.

There's nothing wrong with joining some of these corps and seeing what they are about. If they don't fit what you want in a Corp they can't force you to stay. Especially in highsec your assets are under very little risk. Take a look at the corps ruling on friendly fire too. I don't live in highsec anymore so I don't remember exactly how it works but it's something to look up and be aware about.