INTERPOL scam?

I recently had problems with my computer's Media Player. I visited the Windows site for help. I was able to download the Player from their site. Upon restarting my computer I received a message from INTERPOL telling me that my computer is locked because Windows reported me for trying to access child pornography. (I have NEVER, EVER tried to visit any such sites.) The INTERPOL message tells me that if I send them $300 I can avoid any further investigation. I contacted Windows and haven't heard back from them, yet. I want to know what this is. Their information about me is completely wrong. If it were true, would they really settle for money? The whole thing sounds hinky. Please help me as soon as you can. Thank you.

You have downloaded malware and installed it. Make sure your anti-virus & anti-malware softwares are up to date. Depending on your anti-virus, it might be able to remove this one. It can be a nasty one if its the crypto-locker. Crypto-locker typically gives you 3 days to send the money, or else they will lock all of your files (and they will, unless you pay the ransom). There are lots of malware out there though, so don't immediately think the worst, some of them are just hoping for a fast buck and are reasonably harmless.

Here is a search for how to remove it click here

with most of these results you need to be an "advanced" computer user to remove the virus by yourself. Only you can decide your level of expertise on the computer.

I'd recommend going to pcpitstop.com and using their free malware scan. Be warned they will try to sell you their "PC Matic" software, but if it is the crypto-locker virus then pcmatic is one of the few anti-viruses on the market that can get rid of it.

You can try "restore factory settings" thats what I always do

I don't believe this is a crypto-locker case, as I've never heard of them accusing anyone of accessing pornography.

As has been said, though, you have clearly downloaded malware. Don't worry about justifying yourself to us, they are obviously using that to scare you into thinking you will be slandered, making you more likely to pay up. Keep calm and follow the advice above, get your anti-malware and antivirus up to date, perform an online scan or restore your pc to an older time-point.

Let us know how things go.