What type of scam is this?

It is fake check employment scam. Scammer will have you deposit the fake check. Keep some money for yourself and forward the remaining back to him via Western Union or Moneygram.

Weeks later your bank will inform you about the fake check. You will re-pay the bank for any amount you have withdrawn. Your bank may even report you to Law Enforcement for Fraud.

Apparently the vanilla card is another untraceable method of transferring money. Legitimate employers, even families hiring help, do not use such methods.

As you have deposited the check, which is fake, immediately go to your bank and talk with the fraud department. Show them all emails from the scammer, printed out with complete headers. DO NOT withdraw ANY money for ANY reason until the fraudulent money is sent back where it came from.

If the scammer makes any further attempt to contact you, ignore it. Make him think you are dead.

He may threaten you with the FBI or the like for stealing his money. Ignore him. He is in Africa; he has no way to sic the FBI on you.