I think not so long ago, FB gave us the option of showing/hiding the URL for the ad. But recently, it looks like they've taken away that option and most ads are served with the URL showing in grey. eg. If you created a LP for your offer at myofferdomain.com, that's what will be shown whether you like it or not.
But a quick glance through a spytool shows that majority of recent ads are still able to display the advertiser's link on the FB ad. eg. match.com
Does anyone know how that's possible when these are clearly affiliate links (that aren't just direct linking, but going to a LP)? It looks like I'm missing something pretty obvious here but I can't figure out what?!
Cloaking. What FB sees and what real users get sent to will be different things. Match.com will be the clean destination and likely the LP users get sent to will send them to a... different offer.
I see. Cool, thanks.