I heard of this happening to one of my friends as well. But she didn't fell for it. Is this common nowadays?

Actually after reporting your case to the police, if they deem justified for a report, will count more of a statistic of what happened, since no actual crime was committed. If the statistics do not rise, they will not act upon it with urgency, but if it gets publicity in the papers and if a "Datuk" also got cheated, then maybe it will speed up their action. So don't expect any action just because you reported it, because it will need several more reports to actually stir interest or increase its priority. Thats my view about reporting about an 'almost crime'.