Agresssive panhandlers

Don't tell them you don't have it. Tell them NO.

Call a cop if you have to. A situation developed on High Street in Columbus, Ohio, at the Ohio State University campus in which panhandlers became so aggressive that campus police and Columbus police began running them in. The problem cleared up in under two weeks.

If you want to give something, go ahead.
Otherwise just say no. Then go on about your business.

That only works if the panhandler is not aggressive - I am guessing at least that the poster is talking about those that do not take no for an answer the first time. If they leave you alone after the first no I agree with you.

There are also situations where is not necessarily easy to go about your business after saying No. I had one panhandler on the subway come up to me and ask me for money. I looked him in the eye and said no sorry. He then went on and said what are you cheap?!! I then said no. I actually bought you a cup a coffee a couple of days ago (which I had). He then proceeded to continue - oh yeah where? I told him specifically where and when. He then said oh thanks.

My co-worker sitting next to me was shocked that I verbally engaged with him in such a way - I only did as I "knew" him. In a sense I have seen him many times and know that he stays at a particular homeless shelter and so forth so I realized he was pretty harmless.

I certainly do not suggest you get in a deep conversation especially when being challenged like that - you do not know who could become violent and who is really just desperate for a little help.

just ignoring is best way to avoid come backs as well as targeting you for stalking and retribution.

If this persists - the best way to handle it is to speak to a manager of the store you are going to - if he is being particularly aggressive the store manager will not like it as it will impact his business. There are laws against aggressive panhandling and the store manager could call the local police.

Here is an article I read recently about such aggressive panhandling.

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/City-of-Brockton-Cracks-Down-on-Aggressive-Panhandling-489169361.html

I pretty much agree. Around here, they usually start with a friendly greeting and tend to mumble. I return a cheerful greeting without eye contact, and just keep on walking.

I just came back from the grocery store. There is always a panhandler there. The woman who was there tonight gave me this pitiful story and held her hand out. I stared at her for a moment and then said: "No dice, I'm a poor man." She said: "Yeah, me too." I snorted, and told her: "Yeah, I've seen the crew who works this spot. You come here in cabs, and when your shift is over, you leave in a cab." She started in on her spiel very loudly, probably hoping no one else heard me.