1. A method for web-based account management using an animated virtual agent with human-like speech, gestures, and response to user input, said method comprising: a) presenting an account management multi-media message to a user through the virtual agent, wherein said virtual agent comprises animated features that move in coordination with an audible message portion of said account management multi-media message to emulate speech and human-like gestures wherein said gestures comprise a hand gesture presenting a text message portion of said account management multi-media message and said gestures further comprise a facial gesture expressed in coordination with said audible message portion, wherein said presenting is performed on a display device and wherein said account management multi-media message comprises communication of current or delinquent account resolution information comprising: payment type options; payment plan options; payment scheduling options; balance dispute information; bankruptcy information; identity fraud information; or a combination thereof; b) accepting input from said user in response to said multi-media message; and c) presenting a virtual agent response message in response to said accepting input, wherein said response message is at least partially defined based on pre-determined rules configured via a virtual agent interaction design tool to provide a human-like interaction, and wherein said virtual agent indicates reaction to said input by a display of a physical gesture, a change in voice tone, or both display of a physical gesture and a change in voice tone.