Enter a clue or pattern or both:
The Clue
Gets calls from collectors, say (4 letter answer)
The Answer
OWES
Tags
Notes
The answer OWES is seen frequently, appearing about once every 150 puzzles.
Related Clues
Is in arrears
Is behind
Is behindhand
Is beholden to
Is in debt
Is in the hole
Is indebted
Is indebted to
Is obligated
Is obliged
Is obliged for
Is in the red
Is short
Becomes encumbered
Can't pay
Charges it
Has bills
Has debts
Has liabilities
Has a mortgage
Has obligations
Has to pay
Has a tab
Isn't solvent
Lags, financially
Must pay
Runs a tab
Is shy, in a way
Takes credit?
Goes into debt
Has chits out
Has markers out
Has an outstanding figure?
Isn't free and clear
Has a credit-card balance
Definition
OWE as a verb:
1. be obliged to pay or repay
2. be indebted to, in an abstract or intellectual sense; "This new theory owes much to Einstein's Relativity Theory"
3. be in debt; "She owes me $200"; "The thesis owes much to his adviser"