Absentee Landlords ROCK!

As you may or may not know, we've turned in our notice to move from this apartment and are on the search for a new place to live. I've been scouring Craigslist for the past week looking for the perfect new home for our family. I've called a few people only to get answering machines and never a call back. I've sent a few emails, and found that the properties weren't exactly what we were looking for. However, those listings aren't what I'm here to talk about. What I'm here to talk about is Africa.

Specifically, petroleum land in Africa. It seems that a LOT of the people who are renting houses on Craigslist have recently won bidding on petroleum land in Africa. I mean, what are the odds, am I right? I have gotten this email from no less than four different people so far:

Hello I receive your response concerning my Advert I published on craiglist. The house is still available. I did bid for a portion of petroleum land sometimes ago in West Africa and fortunately I won the bidding so I have to move quickly down to Africa to have my company set up because I will still have to rebid for it in the next 4 to 5 years. I came over here with my Wife, we both bought the house when we got married.. As soon as we settle down here I had a thought of selling the house so I have to look for an agent, after getting one, we got a deal but later my Wife advised against that. She said we may not be able to win the bidding next time, in other to keep our head when we return that we have to keep the house. I reasoned with her and accepted her advise. So I contacted the Agent back and requested for my keys and documents. Later we decided to have the house rent out, we would have given the same agent this job also but the truth of the matter is that the agent would want to handle it professionally and the occupant may not be able to reason along with the idea. If you notice, you will discovered that the price we are offering is far below standard price, this is enough for you to know that we are not after the rental fee but the absolute care for the property. I know there is no way I can be sure that you are the right person to live in the house because we won't be able to see before sending you the keys and the documents to occupy the space.. But I just have a feeling that anyone who knows what it takes to put the kind of structure down should know that maintaining a building is mandatory, so if you belief you can take good care of the house and handle it like yours then I will be more than happy to let you rent the house. Please if you are interested in renting my house kindly provide the information below. APPLICATION FORM Full Name Prefix__________________________________________________ Home Phone ( )________________________ Date of Birth_________________________________ Other Phone ( )___________________(CELL)PHONE________________________ Current Address_______________________________Apt#________ City__________________ State______ Zip________ Reasons for Leaving____________________________Rent $__________Phone ( )____________________________ Are you married____________________________ How many people will be living in the house____________________________ How many people will be living in the house____________________________ Do you have a pet____________________________ Do you have a car____________________________ Occupation____________________________ Move In Date____________________________ HOW SOON CAN YOU HAVE THE DEPOSIT PAYMENT SENT___________________________ HOW SOON DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE THE KEYS AND DOCUMENTS OF THE HOUSE___________________________ Rent/Month: $900___________________________ Deposit Payment: $900___________________________ You could give me a call as soon as possible so we could proceed ASAP. Please note than you will only be able to drive by the house for now but not have a look at the interior until i have sent the keys and documents of the house to you...and the requirement for getting the keys and documents of the house is a fully refundable payment, which is the security deposit. Please note that the deposit made is fully refundable should in case you finally gain entrance into the house after receiving the keys and documents and feel unsatisfied or uncomfortable with the interior, but i am giving you a benefit of doubt that you will love everything about this lovely home... I Await your response so that we can discuss on how to get the document and the keys to you. My phone number is : (+234- 808-410-7303 OR 011-234-808-410-7303) Best Regards.

Even better, the emails from the four different people were IDENTICAL to this one! I mean, what are the odds?

So let's get this straight - not only do they want all of my personal information, they also want me to mail them first month's rent and a deposit, then all I have to do is sit around and wait for a key to arrive in my mailbox. Sounds great!

Where do I sign up?