How do you deal with beggars?

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JustJavi@reddit

No speak English - It works 100% of the times.

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Naive_Reach2007@reddit

Either just blank them or say I'm not interested as soon as they open there mouth and keep walking do not break stride do not engage if further conversation they want easy targets.

If there persistent a polite just fuck off usually does the trick

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jpepsred@reddit

The “correct” answer would be to recommend the local charities they can go to. In London it would be Street Link or St Mungo’s for example.

Contrary to all the other answers here, there’s nothing wrong with giving a beggar money, or offering to buy them something. Some would call it naive, that that money will only be used for drugs, or that anything you buy then will be sold. Rough sleeping and drugs are strongly correlated, so there’s a good chance of it. But it’s a moral dilemma for you to think about. Perhaps giving them money will keep them away from going the “correct” route for help, and ultimately do more harm than good. Perhaps a conversation and kindness will give them a slight push to get clean, or at least to feel less hopelessness—imagine the feeling of being ignored by hundreds of people a day…

Of course, you’ll also realise that if you get a tenner out of the cash machine for anyone who asks you to you’ll soon be spending a hundred pounds a week. Not really feasible.

Whatever decision you make, they’re human. And where but for the grace of god go I.

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htimchis@reddit

"Some would call it naive, that that money will only be used for drugs...."

What do you think I was going to use it for anyway...

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PlanKind3681@reddit

"no, have a good day"

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Competitive-Peace-54@reddit

Followed by “I said good day sir!”

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jazzyl2025@reddit

He said good day sir.

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bluebellwould@reddit

It's a joke. You need to have watched unredeemable

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bluebellwould@reddit

Good afternoon!!!

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Competitive-Peace-54@reddit

I Beg your pardon !!!! How very dare you

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Any_Crazy_500@reddit

I sir, will beg your pardon.

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tmr89@reddit

Isn’t it cold hearted to say “no” to a beggar?

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Competitive-Peace-54@reddit

I’m gonna have to guess you’re not from the Uk or you have no idea how things work here. Even someone who is street homeless is still able to claim a number of benefits which would give them and fairly reasonable income (especially for someone with no outgoings) so no I have no difficulty in saying no to a beggar. And in many parts of Europe and becoming more prevalent in the uk are organised gangs of beggars who are involved in people trafficking, organised crime, drugs and other criminal activity.

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InsaneInTheRAMdrain@reddit

Why do you keep saying this, whats with your aversion to the word no?

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tmr89@reddit

Beggars are some of the most vulnerable people in society

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Simonion88@reddit

Which can sometimes make them some of the most dangerous people in society

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InsaneInTheRAMdrain@reddit

So you can't say no to them?

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sundance464@reddit

Yes, actually I agree with that part. However, it's clearly up to people whether they give them money

OP was saying they don't know how to say no even when they don't want to.

Same as for anyone asking (door to door, phone sales, charity collecting in street) just saying no and closing door / walking away / hanging up is not cold-hearted, just avoids wasting everyone's time

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theNixher@reddit

Let's see if he has integrity guys.

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tmr89@reddit

That’s not how it works. Ask me in the street

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PlanKind3681@reddit

i can't afford to give money to everyone who asks, so it is far kinder and far more respectful for me to not waste their time

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Ricky_Martins_Vagina@reddit

No

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Ok-Flamingo2801@reddit

The biggest tip I have is don't stop walking when they come up to you. If you feel rude just ignoring them, apologise and say you're in a rush and that you can't be late. I guess I seem friendly and gulliable because I seem to get people coming up to me instead of someone else nearby, and so I think I've got the 'I really need to be somewhere' look down. Just walk fast, keep glacing the time (or pretend to).

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poopolisher@reddit

Tell them to fuck off generally

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Acrobatic_Book726@reddit

i did once and he says that nobody would want to fuck me. i said at least im not homeless

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No_Molasses_1976@reddit

First off OP, when I moved to Brum I struggled with it, but worked in the city centre and if they are in Birmingham they get 2-3 meals a day, often extra blankets etc, and if they can’t get into various shelters at night it’s because they’re on something or have been kicked out that many times they’re no longer welcome. So you don’t have to feel guilty about turning them down. I used to chat to a bloke with a dog outside snow hill a lot, got him dog food, some hygiene stuff, the odd meal deal and flea stuff when he thought his dog had caught them. If they are polite just smile, say no sorry have a good night/day etc and move along. There’s a local lady to me who knows I won’t give her money, but I always say hello, smile and she’s asked if I can get her some water in the heat last year and I obliged. A lot of them are pro beggars and make decent amount and then go home at the end of the day. If they are rude, ignore them and walk off l. Don’t swear or get nasty as you don’t want to get in an altercation with someone who may appreciate getting locked up, or has nothing to loose, or may be off their head already. If you just ignore them they’re used to it and aren’t likely to keep trying. They’re just people, don’t let yourself get dragged into a sob story!

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alillypie@reddit

Sorry I can't help you

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Crochet-panther@reddit

Keep walking. I also throw them off guard by knowing all the local hot food providers as I work in housing/homelessness 🤣

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Go2Matt@reddit

Beggar
"Any change mate?"

Me
Not really mate, Still Rich, Massive house and 4 cars, 3 in the UK 1 in our villa in Marbella, but thanks for asking

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opinionated7onion@reddit

I assert dominance and say no as soon as they look at me.

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Lucifer_606381@reddit

Na mate sorry. Keep walking

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thereisalwaysrescue@reddit

I got approached in my car with my kids for money. He kept banging on the window. Ah yeah mate I’ll definitely wind down my window now and give you a quid!

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BeatificBanana@reddit

Seems ridiculous to you and me, by they would not do it if they didn't get money from doing it. Enough people must actually roll down their window and give them money to make it worth it to keep approaching car windows. So laugh all you want but it must work!

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thereisalwaysrescue@reddit

I wasn’t laughing mate at 0845 in the morning during traffic on spaghetti junction

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BeatificBanana@reddit

I dunno why you're downvoting me, did it come across like I'm taking the piss out of you or something? I'm not, I'm just saying is annoying (and sometimes quite scary) as it is, they do it because it works. I don't agree with the practice.

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thereisalwaysrescue@reddit

I’m not? Have a good day!

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BeatificBanana@reddit

Ah who knows must've been someone else. You have a good day too!

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BeatificBanana@reddit

Happens to me all the time.

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Experiment328095@reddit

You can try to out sob story them, but it takes commitment

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Suspicious-Papaya-52@reddit

I don't give money for the following reasons -

Heard of one person asking for money, the good Samaritan gave him money, then got promptly mugged for his good deed

Local beggar couple persuaded an elderly gentleman to go to the cash machine for some money. When he entered his PIN, they shoved him aside and emptied his account.

The woman of the beggar couple above asked a gentleman for money, which he gave. Now knowing where he kept his wallet, she followed him to a more secluded area and mugged him. She got 3 1/2 years in prison.

The boyfriend of said woman still proceeds to ask for money from everyone. I lost my temper with him, repeatedly asking me (admittedly I'm on Prednisolone, causing mood swings). I told him he's got no chance of me going to a cash machine to get mugged by him, and that his girlfriend was frankly evil for mugging old people.

One of the reasons I moved out of Central Birmingham 20 years ago was the bloody beggars.
I think of it this way, too - I work, I pay taxes on nearly everything. My taxes pay their Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, etc. They have the audacity to ask for money tax-free, which then is used to buy drugs (which I'm sure they don't pay taxes for).

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buginarugsnug@reddit

You say no and walk off, or pretend you haven't heard. You walk off quickly. Don't engage other than a no, sorry.

You aren't obligated to listen to someone's life story and you'll find that he will have moved onto the next passer-by before he's even thought of assaulting you.

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CillaBlackInDisguise@reddit

Don’t even engage just look shocked then full on sprint away soon as they ask..I’ve done it before for a laugh it’s quite funny

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Giant_Gaystacks@reddit

Were you wearing your costume?

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CillaBlackInDisguise@reddit

You mean my disguise? Yes I was. Surprise, Surprise chuck!

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Giant_Gaystacks@reddit

I don't think it'd be much of a disguise without a costume.

Unless it was some kind of act where you sang 'Anyone Who Had a Heart', badly, through a psychic medium.

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CillaBlackInDisguise@reddit

Ahh you’d be surprise, surprised..a See you Jimmy bunnet and a Scouse accent goes a long way I’ll have you know

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pharmamess@reddit

I heard Cilla black is loved and respected by all who met her. Lovely woman always put others first.

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Giant_Gaystacks@reddit

Me too. Apparently, never a complete bitch to the general public, and worse to anyone who had any kind of job dealing with her. Angel, she was.

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terryjuicelawson@reddit

Zero engagement, you don't owe anyone anything.

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old-skool-bro@reddit

I say no, if they persist, I say fuck off.

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Valuable_Outside7475@reddit

I always remember a documentary on homelessness and rough sleeping and when they interviewed a rough sleeper and asked what's the hardest part about being homeless, they said loneliness. Apparently, people advert their eyes and try to pretend they're not speaking, can't hear, rather than just say no.

Loads have said just say already said in the comments 'just say no' but I do try to say something on the lines of 'no sorry but have a great day/look after yourself '.

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Zamazamenta@reddit

Make them into choosers and they cease to be

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Evening-Web-3038@reddit

Just say that you were going to ask him for 20p and that it sucks that you both have to go find someone else instead.

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AreaMiserable9187@reddit

Genius

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Delicious-Fee-6225@reddit

It sounds like you look like an easy target walking around w your dumb energy drink.

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TheSecretIsMarmite@reddit

Say no and keep walking. Don't stop to talk, keep walking.

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JohnLennonsNotDead@reddit

“No comprende, por favor”

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JayR_97@reddit

Shit like this is why I just do t engage with these people

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filbert94@reddit

Mate you are 100% gonna be ripped off by someone one day if you carry on with this attitude.

Ask yourself - has anyone ever borrowed money off you and not given it back? Or borrowed something and not returned?

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Worldly-Web-5740@reddit

Also, when did we start saying “mom”?

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Gauntlets28@reddit

Have a few cards printed off with the phone number of Alcoholics Anonymous on them, and hand it out as necessary.

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Upstairs-Quail5709@reddit

Just. Say. No.

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Top-Description4887@reddit

Don't even acknowledge their existence, walk past the npc without pressing x.

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nothingnew09876@reddit

I just say "nah" and keep walking

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Rob_Cake@reddit

No you don't , you say no sorry and put your head down. Why you lying

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jsbaasi@reddit

Do you 2 need some space?

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Rob_Cake@reddit

28 down votes that's a record

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Party-Position-6670@reddit

You actually got 29 downvotes 20 days ago. Checked your comment history ... why u lyin?

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Rob_Cake@reddit

Lol good effort

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Party-Position-6670@reddit

Thanks. Now stop being mean on the Internet! ( i do it to sometimes)

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Rob_Cake@reddit

Not sure what was mean about what I said.

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Party-Position-6670@reddit

It's called projecting

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Rob_Cake@reddit

What was I projecting ? He's lying lol cmon

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Party-Position-6670@reddit

Bro you definitely say no sorry. You definitely got small peen too

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Rob_Cake@reddit

Of course I say no sorry. Saves constant hostile retaliations. Same as everyone else does lol

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Party-Position-6670@reddit

Okay mate

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prussian_princess@reddit

Pfft. Amateur

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letsshittalk@reddit

its 20p or more to use a public toilet in some areas

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missuseme@reddit

I just shake my head and keep walking. I find even saying no opens the two way conversation, then leave me a lone a lot quicker when I say nothing at all.

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ben_jamin_h@reddit

Do not make eye contact

Do not stop

Do not engage

Do not say anything at all to them if you can help it, but if you have to say anything at all, make it only the word NO

Keep walking

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Firm-Requirement1085@reddit

I do feel obliged to give them the 1 pound out the shopping trolley when asked but I shouldn't.

worked in a homeless shelter and saw the beggars were only going to send the money on drugs anyway, majority in there were homeless because they are scum and that's why their families won't home them

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TipsyPhippsy@reddit

What's a mom?

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Raihooney95@reddit

To the people commenting "just say no" - it's not quite that simple when the person seems like a potential threat. OP said they felt scared of getting assaulted, which is a very real concern, especially in late night Birmingham

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SKRYVAKRAS@reddit

You sound like a twat

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ZombieDisastrous4450@reddit

I think you're looking into it too much. You probably come from an area that you don't get this.

It's so simple

If you're not gonna gonna give them money, which I wouldn't

Walk off and say nothing

You're going to university to get an education. This should be part of that IQ.

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Anguskerfluffle@reddit

don't stop, don't engage. people aggressively approaching strangers in cities are not the ones in need of your help

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HumanBeing7396@reddit

I’ve asked various people about this; social workers, people who worked for homeless charities / shelters, plus one guy who used to be homeless himself. They all told me the same thing - you’re not helping by giving that person money directly.

Someone who is begging isn’t necessarily homeless for one thing, and there will be homeless people who need help but who you don’t see begging, because they’re hiding away somewhere.

That person may have addictions, mental health problems or other issues which they can avoid facing if people keep giving them money. They could also be being exploited and made to beg by someone else, or they may have bullied another more vulnerable person off a lucrative spot (e.g. outside a supermarket).

Homelessness is a complex problem that can’t be solved by creating a dependence on people donating individually; the best thing to do is to give money to a homeless charity, and let them help instead.

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JChristSocialist@reddit

Give them what I can and tell them about local churches that will help them if they are willing.

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BeatificBanana@reddit

"How can I just say no and walk off?"

I'm sorry if I'm not understanding the question but can you not just... Say no and walk off?

Beggars approach me all the time (I live in a deprived area of Manchester). I've never been assaulted by one. I just smile, keep walking, and say "No, sorry" or "No, thank you". I do not stop walking even for a second. Sometimes I don't even say anything, I just sort of smile in an apologetic way and shake my head and keep walking.

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jazzyl2025@reddit

My go to is always 'nows not a good time' with a slightly fucked off expression. I have whatever the male version of resting bitch face is, that helps.

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BeatificBanana@reddit

Resting bitch face, I think. Don't see why it has to be exclusive to women!

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Bounty_drillah@reddit

Resting bastard face?

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Which-Particular-438@reddit

Say “sorry I’ve got no change” and walk off and ignore any responses…set boundaries!

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BeatificBanana@reddit

Don't make up a fake reason for not giving them money. Giving a reason (e.g. I've got no change) only gives them something to argue against/come up with a solution to work around it - example being in this very post, when OP said they had no change and the beggar then asked them to bank transfer them some money.

Just say "no" and keep walking. "No, sorry" if you're feeling nice. You do not need to (and should not) give any kind of reason or explanation.

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Postik123@reddit

When I don't want to do something I try not to make up excuses. An excuse gives someone the opportunity to overcome your objection. When I don't want to do something it's far easier to just say no, and not give a reason

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EmergencyAthlete9687@reddit

Why do you have to pretend you would have given them money if you'd had change?

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Which-Particular-438@reddit

I’ve told beggars to “fuck off and get a job” when I’ve been really pissed, sorry I’ve got no change” is a more civil response.

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EmergencyAthlete9687@reddit

Not sure I agree it's more civil than no. May make you feel better but no interest to him unless you regularly give him money. It is very bad to be horrible to them

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Which-Particular-438@reddit

No it’s not, if they wanted help they would seek help and get it, why should I pay for their addiction?

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EmergencyAthlete9687@reddit

I agree but that is no reason to be horrible towards them. Say no or ignore them

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littleboo2theboo@reddit

I hate being approached by beggars but I wouldn't tell one to fuck off.

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Which-Particular-438@reddit

“Beggars can’t be choosers”

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SlickAstley_@reddit

Practice sounding like a deaf guy, works a treat for all kinds of scenarios

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Charming-Objective14@reddit

I usually ask them if they have changed for a £20

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MrMonkeyman79@reddit

How can I just say no and walk off?

You do it by saying no and walking off

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filtered2@reddit

No other way. I usually have earphones in. In fact, it's the only way I walk through town now to avoid beggars, utility companies and charities asking for money.

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EverybodySayin@reddit

Don't ever stop walking.

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rocketscientology@reddit

Shake your head and say “sorry, no” while increasing your walking speed. It’s the only way.

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tmr89@reddit

Bit heartless to say no to a beggar?

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Prudent-Pressure2146@reddit

I give money occasionally but I won’t every time. I don’t think I would be able to afford giving money to every one I see

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ActionBirbie@reddit

...You actually think they're beggars....?!?

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MrMonkeyman79@reddit

Not really.

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chrisxxviv@reddit

Most people that are begging are doing it to fund a habit...

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smay1989@reddit

I dont even bother saying no

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LichenTheMood@reddit

They don't often approach me. I think it's my face.

'Leave me alone' occasionally escalating to 'fuck off mate it's not happening'

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xcixjames@reddit

Used to deal with them weekly going through Grand Central to see my ex at uni. Headphones & flat out ignoring their existence worked a treat

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Turbulent-Eagle88655@reddit

Pretend you have a phone call and hold your phone to your ear.

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Pretend_Ad4147@reddit

Just say 'it's all chip and pin now m8' and sail off in the opposite direction

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No_Preference9093@reddit

I used to just walk off.

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Visual-Maximum-1008@reddit

I give money to homeless people, but tbc someone being a beggar and someone following/stalking you like this are two different things and it's extremely normal to be freaked out by the latter.

Good advice to someone harassing you is to reject them as firmly as possible, but without being physically or verbally aggressive to avoid escalation. Unfortunately saying "don't carry cash sorry" and making a series of excuses is actually far from firm, and make you like flimsy, so it is better to just say "no, sorry" and give no elaboration from the beginning.

If you are followed anyway, try to get to a safe space or ask for help. If you feel in physical danger, call the police if you have to.

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Dunny2k@reddit

You know you’re just funding their drug addiction? Buy them food instead, never give money.

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Visual-Maximum-1008@reddit

You know you’re just funding their drug addiction? Buy them food instead, never give money.

Hello! I appreciate that you mean well, but homelessness is a complex phenomena and, with all due respect, I suspect I know more about it than you do. Yes, drug addiction is a concern, but only one amongst many, and one of the key issues with homelessness is the treatment of all homeless people as a monolith who can be dealt with through short catchphrases like "give food, not money" (a common refrain of those who don't know much about the homeless and don't want to think about it) rather than help catered to the individual and their personal circumstances.

No one obliges you to give to the homeless, and of course giving other necessities (like food, or toiletries, shelter, transportation etc.) instead of money is perfectly acceptable where drug addiction is a concern. But if your default response to someone saying "I give money to the homeless" is to treat them like a naive idiot handing cash to the drug cartel instead of perhaps asking any follow up questions about approach or methodology, then I suggest your stance is fueled more by prejudice and stereotype (and possible a general discomfort with the topic) than any meaningful experience or knowledge about homelessness.

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Dunny2k@reddit

Hey bud, I deal with homeless people daily at work. I work in the police, every homeless person I’ve dealt with has a drug addiction and it’s part of the reason why they’re homeless. They owe lots of debts and when you search them you’ll always find a crack pipe. I’d gladly buy them food, but I would never give them money for this exact reason. It doesn’t help them one bit. Donate to a homeless charity instead.

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Visual-Maximum-1008@reddit

With all due respect, "dealing with" homeless people is very different to working with and learning about homeless people and generally the police are considered extremely far down the list of people who have a neutral and unbiased perspective on the topic haha. But I'm sure you consider yourself an expert and I doubt any evidence could change your mind, so you keep collecting crack pipes and don't worry about me.

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Wrong-booby7584@reddit

Just ignore them. Never, ever engage.

Money always goes on drugs that keep them on the street

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Postik123@reddit

Say no and walk off.

If they continue to harras then tell them to fuck off in an aggressive manner and hope they get the message.

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smellyfeet25@reddit

That is harrassment .

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Independent_Ball7548@reddit

Answered your own question

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thefooleryoftom@reddit

“No, sorry”. And don’t break stride. Same with people with leaflets or anyone else I don’t know who tries to stop me on the street.

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ShinyHeadedCook@reddit

Politely "no" if they persist "fuck off"

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legodragon2005@reddit

If people approach me on the street I look straight ahead and keep walking, not saying a word. Very effective they leave you alone and pester someone else

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Euphoric-Program6667@reddit

Just say no

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keepYourMonkey@reddit

Give em' the ol' Grange Hill

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speckledchickhen@reddit

Just say no

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ElusiveCrab@reddit

I gave a homeless guy my tobacco pouch and a bit of weed after getting chatting to him whilst waiting for a train and he decided to chin me and take my last £8 i had.

Remembering that makes it very easy to tell all of em to get fucked

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Embarrassed_Park2212@reddit

I do usually just say no, sorry but once in a while I do give if I have some change available. I gave someone the 5 pound coins I had in my purse recently. He was saying to people he needed bus fare. Although he did ask me before I went into the shop and I said no, sorry.

I just remember what's it's like to not have money, although I'm not brave enough to ask strangers and I wouldn't anyway, that 5 pound was neither here nor there for me. He could have been a professional begger and probably asking everyone till he gets one sucker, I try not to think like that though.

We are all one pay day, one accident, one illness or one mental health crisis away from being in a worse situation.

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UpbeatYogurtcloset2@reddit

Simple, you just laugh and say 'mate, you probably have more money than me'

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_Jay-Garage-A-Roo_@reddit

I carry some coins for giving out and if they are friendly / harmless and I’ve the time I will also chat.

If don’t have any coins left or they’re pushy / rude / offensive I say “no, sorry” And walk faster.

Sadly there’s no perfect way to handle it I don’t think.

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pharmamess@reddit

If there was a perfect way, I'm pretty sure you'd know it, cos you know everything.

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brum_newbie@reddit

This is the way

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DeadlyTeaParty@reddit

Can never trust them. I just ignore them.

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escapingfromelba@reddit

I just say no, that's it. Seriously, just that one word and then carry on walking.

Excuses and waffle from you simply give them the cue to try another angle.

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Tall_Opportunity_521@reddit

If someone asks me for 20p to buy a beer, Ill give it to them. Ive been a poor student, and done that once. So I understand being skint, but still wanting to go for a beer with class mates.

However, asking me for money for the bus, will get you told to get right to fuck. Why? Cos you still look like a fucking junkie, mate. And youre fooling no one with your bus story bullshit. Not once have I been asked for bus money by someone that didnt look desperate for a hit.

I've never been asked to bank transfer money, but I think if I did, I might be tempted to answer thats request with a bit of the old ultra violence. The absolute balls on these people.

And, Ill no doubt get hate for this one, but those cunts who sit outside markies all day asking for money? They get fuck all. They dont even get a "no". They just get ignored. Sitting outside a shop all day, because going and looking for work is too much effort? Fuck off.

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qbnaith@reddit

Say no. Walk off.

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Trotim-@reddit

Don't keep talking. Say no sorry and walk off.

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Fine-Night-243@reddit

Sorry mate can't help and keep walking.

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Separate_Rise_8932@reddit

A roofer 😂 maybe once upon a time.

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ActionBirbie@reddit

By ignoring them and walking away.

They are all scammers or junkies. To engage with them is foolish.

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simmyawardwinner@reddit

ignore dont look and walk on

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Idontunderstandmost@reddit

A lot of people saying “just say no” also mean it’s a lot to do with body language. When you say no firmly, you need to also signal physically that this isn’t an invitation to convince you. So, look in the eyes, say firmly but politely “no”, keep shoulder squared and keep walking etc etc.

I, for one, often offer homeless people to get them whatever they like from a shop or restaurant, and sometimes cash too if I choose to, but i agree you shouldn’t feel coerced to do so, it’s a skill to learn to say “no” authoritatively.

And I’d like to say, by this post, by no means do I not support the homeless. It’s one of my Charities I feel strongly about.

But yeah, OP, it’s possible that person picked you as they thought youd be easier to get to say yes, which I don’t like.

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SeaworthinessNeat516@reddit

Just say no. Don't waver, don't hesitate, don't engage.

The blokes probably asked 50 people today and started of by assuming things based off your appearance that he's learnt. Secondly he knows if you enter conversation that's the start of a negotiation that you'll lose because he'll lie to satisfy your every question.

Donate to a homeless charity later if saying no plays on your conscience.

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space_guy95@reddit

This is it. Anything other than a solid no is seen as an opening and marks you as a target for pressure. Then when you stick around and start listening to their lies or other nonsense it shows you have difficulty asserting boundaries and that you'll be even more likely to give in.

These guys will spot people like OP a mile off and home in on them. The only solution is to not engage at all.

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RostinBurgerfinkle@reddit

If I have cash, I'll give them some. But most of the time i say "I'm sorry, I don't have any cash but I have some tobacco if you need some of that?" Then I give them a big wad of tobacco. Obviously this depends on you having tobacco. But I've never had a rude response.

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Dunny2k@reddit

Your funding their drug addiction by doing this btw

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JKO-1991@reddit

Ignore and keep walking. I am more than happy to get someone food or water but giving money when it’s likely to feed some form of habit is a definite no.

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xxxxxxxxxooxxxxxxxxx@reddit

wtf can you even do with 20p

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Ricky_Martins_Vagina@reddit

I'm honestly surprised at this guy for keeping it old school 😂 it was 20p 20 years ago!

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uberbarracuda@reddit

Nothing, which is why you'll give them a couple of quid instead. They know this.

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xDzerx@reddit

I'd say buy a freddo.. can't even do that now.

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Dramatic-Ad-4485@reddit

If they ask me "any change mate" I just say "no, I still have a home and a good job"....

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shadow-season@reddit

OP, can I have a fiver? I want it. Yeah?

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TobblyWobbly@reddit

Learn a few sentences in a minority language.

Chan eil Beurla agam, feumaidh mi falbh.

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Ricky_Martins_Vagina@reddit

Literally just say "nope"

If you make up excuses they'll just keep coming up with counters and then you just look stupid because you're obviously trying to avoid saying no.

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PhysicsForeign1634@reddit

A guy tried to a scrounge money from me while I was waiting outside a music venue. He said "Go on, I'll give you the luck of the Irish", to which I could only reply "It hasn't worked for you, you're begging on the streets!"

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grae3333@reddit

"Enjoy yer night mate" ✋️ works everytime

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PerfectPeaPlant@reddit

Yep. Said with finality. 👍

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PerfectPeaPlant@reddit

That’s not a beggar. Asking for 20p is a way to get you to take your wallet out. Then he’ll snatch it and run.

I do give money to the homeless, and also buy them food or drink depending on what they want, but in a situation like this I would have made a quick exit because this guy obviously wasn’t right.

“Sorry, boyfriend’s waiting for me,” or something.

I get what you mean about being intimidated tho. A can of self defense spray works for that! Get the red dye type, legal in the UK.

Learning to walk like you just killed a man with a pencil helps too, because people like that are predators. They can smell weakness and vulnerability. I copied Christopher Walkens walk lol when I was in my teens. And hey presto! The bullying stopped. Nobody bothers me anymore. I can walk down a London street and the crowd parts lol.

But it’s all acting. I’m soft as shit really 🤣

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_KAZ-2YG_@reddit

I say no and I walk off.

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PearEnvironmental315@reddit

Ignore them, learn how to say sorry in an obscure language. Usually I'm wearing headphones so I just gesture at my ears and say I can't hear you.

Never engage with them, never give them attention. Some places have a PSPO that bans begging. If you're lucky enough to live in one, just say sorry it's illegal and you can't give them anything.

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Appropriate-Luck-372@reddit

I've had a few come over and ask me the time. It's a leading question and I know what's coming next, so I say no and they look at the watch on my wrist. Breaks my heart to see rough kippers in the early hours through work but I'm sure its hard for the easily intimidated to say 'no mate, I haven't'.

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abarishyper@reddit

No. Is a complete sentence.

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Defiant_Practice5260@reddit

Whereas "is a complete sentence" is not. Fun times.

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ResponsibleLiability@reddit

🤣🥳

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j1mb0b@reddit

You want fun?

. Hyphenated

. Non-hyphenated

The irony.

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jsbaasi@reddit

Lol

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paolog@reddit

Technically, it's a sentence substitute.

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squigs@reddit

Remember, "no" is a complete sentence. You don't need to give a reason. If, after you say "no" someone persists, then they're being rude, and you're well within your rights to say "I said no" or something snarky like "what part of the word no didn't you understand?"

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Lenske97@reddit

I just say you’ve probably got more money than me and that usually works

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JGlover92@reddit

Sorry mate haven't got any change on me, have a good one "though"

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Remote-Pool7787@reddit

It’s all about confidence. Don’t say sorry I don’t carry cash. Just say no, sorry and walk on.

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Hot_Wonder6503@reddit

Say nothing

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_Cridders_@reddit

I just say, "Sorry mate".

Anything else gives an in. And it's more honest, I'm not lying about not having money.

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sara61wilson@reddit

I don’t. I keep walking away or avoid them altogether. They are not stupid and like to target women in my city

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Hypnomenace@reddit

You come up with an objection that they cannot overcome.

If a beggar asks you for money, tell them you don't have a penny to your name, your skint and you have literally nothing to give.

If a charity mugger tries to stop you in the street, tell them you already donate to that particular cause and do not wish to give them any more.

If someone knocks on your door trying to flog you windows and doors, tell them that it's rented (this might be true).

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VelvetDreamers@reddit

Never, never, ever stop walking. Keep your feet in motion at all times and say “Sorry, no.” Or like me, I point to my ears, shake my head vigorously, and say “Sorry, I’m deaf.”

Always keep walking. Never stop.

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Embarrassed_Belt9379@reddit

Maintain my walking pace, scrunch my face and say ‘sorry mate’ like I mean it. Move on.

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BobTheCosmonaut@reddit

I got asked in Birmingham on Saturday, when I went to see the Mondays. I told him I haven't had cash in about 5 years & does he take contactless? He didn't surprisingly 😉

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Which-Raise-7789@reddit

"double it and give it to the next person" would be my first responce.

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SuperExstatic@reddit

Tell them no , tell them fuck off if they persist

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Extra_Actuary8244@reddit

Literally just say no it’s not hard

If they carry on I just tell them my life story about all my health issues and my disabilities and my debt and my disabled parents I have to help financially even though I also can’t work because ik ill and a full time student with no money

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BlackboxUK@reddit

Ask them if you can lend 20p before they have the chance. It's a mind boggler.. was even given 20p once by someone who clearly needed it more than me. Bless em.

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TheEnglishDominant2@reddit

Headphones on or in tap on em say noise cancelling cant hear you if they persist just say only got Apple Pay no banking apps/cash.

I’m in brum a lot unfortunately due to religious upbringing ive been taught if someone asks and if you can help them you should give them something.

Was waiting for the bus saw a lady begging everyone for change new she would spend it on something not healthy but I have some change.

Unfortunately I’m like if that was me and could easily be in that situation because you never know how life works unfortunately and if I asked loads of people and got rejected I would genuinely feel really upset about it.

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Rude-Possibility4682@reddit

Headphones in (even if they're not on) stare blankly like you've not heard them, and carry on walking… works with chuggers also.

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Neither_Process_7847@reddit

Just ignore them.

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mh1191@reddit

I generally keep AirPods in and ignore them.

If TikTok is to be trusted, try an Uno Reverse card

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PolarLocalCallingSvc@reddit

Don't interact at all.

Look like you know where you're going, walk at a reasonable pace, don't make eye contact.

It sounds rude but honestly I have spent enough time working in cities in India and Morocco to just tune it out otherwise you'd never get on with your day.

In the UK, our homeless support services are actually very good. If you want to help homeless people, donate to charities.

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Bounty_drillah@reddit

Just don't engage with them, or decline before they can get their story out.

They target students because they know they're easy pickings.

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No_Top6466@reddit

My brother has this over the weekend in the bullring. A lady was claiming to be a single mum begging him for money, tried to get him to bank transfer money. My brother is 17, autistic and he was on his own. Luckily staff intervened but it’s given me a new worry for him. I told him it’s ok to ignore them and walk away or say “sorry” and keep walking.

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Comfortable-Message1@reddit

I normally say 'I need every penny myself mate' and it does the job

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cgknight1@reddit

1000 yard stare, headphones, don't stop walking.

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stargasm420@reddit

Just keep walking but also if I have any change they are welcome to it because I really can afford it I don't pretend I have money on Reddit

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TheRegularBelt@reddit (OP)

I don't carry cash, as I said in the post.

Not sure where you got me 'pretending to have money' from lol. For a university student, I'd say I have more than most because I get 2 grants, but I still have to budget and stuff. I get no financial support from my parents at all, both drug addicts.

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stargasm420@reddit

Yeah I know I read that.

It's really just the way you kept going on about, really seemed like it's the only reason you made the post

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itsfourinthemornin@reddit

"Kept going on about it" At this point, they've mentioned it twice, that isn't really going on about it, it's adding a little context. I'd recommend hitting the 420 part of your name and chilling out a little.

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TheRegularBelt@reddit (OP)

Not really. I said it in one sentence, much like I just did to you. Did you actually read the post?

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AndrewHinds67@reddit

If he's a grafter and works in roofing, why is he begging for money on the street?

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Mondaycomestoosoon@reddit

Cup cake them

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Ok-Parfait9826@reddit

don't feed the pigeons

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bmwkag1407@reddit

'No, enjoy your night mate'. Pretend to make/take a call on your phone.

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AdStreet8083@reddit

"fuck off" works when you say it with intent.

Or just completely ignore them.

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OurSeepyD@reddit

I'd still be polite, escalating just makes it more likely for them to get aggressive. Be assertive but polite.

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Trequartista7777@reddit

After living where I live for a few years , I know who the professional beggars are now, there's a woman who hangs around outside Tesco and a petrol station, I swear she makes more in a week than most of us will make in full time jobs, people give her a quid or two as they walk past in these busy locations. She's very persistent too, follows people to their cars, seen her climb into a random blokes car so god knows what was going on there

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Party_Biscotti_7583@reddit

i used to work with the homeless and most of the ones you saw on the street in that area weren’t actually homeless, had flats that were bigger than mine and got several grand a month in benefits/allowances but first of every month would walk straight in to william hill and blow it all. then spend the rest of the month begging. crazy

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TheRobot89@reddit

A nod of the head is mostly all I do, but if they stop me for a conversation I'll listen and just say no, then walkaway. When I was younger (>16), I found it much more difficult to ignore or get out of those situations. I had one practically chase me saying he could hear jingling in my pockets, so I was apparently rich...

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OurSeepyD@reddit

The absolute cheek of some people to think they're entitled to your money, particularly when you're a child.

I'm all for helping the homeless, but some people clearly think you owe them something and will not accept real help to get off the streets.

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Inner-Device-4530@reddit

No. And leave it at that, as you found out anything else leaves then the opportunity to try a different tack.

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Veenkoira00@reddit

If I have some loose change in my pocket, I give a small sum. If I am not in the mood and in a hurry, I shake my head and quicken my step. Never had any probs with the standard issue ones. Once or twice, someone with obvious mental health issues has been insistent, but that's all. No real trouble with anyone.

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Master-Trick2850@reddit

"no, im poor"

works for charity and door to door salesmen too, had one salesman get really offended when I said I couldnt afford a new door

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Alternative_Net_2262@reddit

I just don't even say anything to them anymore , sorta just look at them and then look away. Why should I give someone money when no one would do the same when I needed a hand?

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xDzerx@reddit

"Sorry not interested" and walk on

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shortercrust@reddit

I completely ignore them. I don’t engage and just keep walking. I don’t think it’s rude. Same with sales people, charity collectors, religious nuts etc. You don’t have to talk to people if you don’t want to.

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DanielDytrych_DBY@reddit

Tell them to get a card machine then you can make a payment.

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Prudent-Pressure2146@reddit

How can I just say no and walk off?<

With your mouth and legs. Appreciate it’s an awkward scenario, we’ve all been there, but that’s really all there is to it.

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Scratches_at_lvl_10@reddit

Just walk off and ignore them. Don't even acknowledge them ever and they'll quickly back off.

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Tvdevil_@reddit

I used to say sorry I dont have money whilst not breaking stride. now it's just no pal. and walk off.

We all know its for drugs or booze. virtually all of the time. Strong boundaries. dont give them the chance to try asking again, or to guilt trip you

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