FYI, browsers that allow add-ons/extension usually have a url expander available. I am using Google Chrome with ChomeMUSE. Using that I can instantly see the actual URL a shortened link is redirecting too.
Barring that, you can just visit longurl.org in any browser and copy/paste the shortened URL to see where it is pointing.
I am not fond of clicking on shortened URLs either, but with the right tools it doesn't have to be scary.
