Apologize first to calm the panhandler, but maintain a firm tone. If they think that they can intimidate you into giving up a couple dollars, they may become more aggressive. Make eye contact when talking to a panhandler. This will let them know that you aren’t scared of them and will also make them feel respected.
If the panhandler does follow after you, look for a local business or crowd where you can take refuge before calling the police. In most countries and states, it is illegal for a panhandler to follow someone, and you should call the police immediately.
If the panhandler asks for a water or small snack, consider getting it for them. Don’t be compelled to do something that you’re uncomfortable with though.
If you’re being yelled at or followed, ignoring the panhandler may only be making them angrier. Acknowledge them by apologizing and saying that you can’t help them out right now.
Using body language to signal “no” is a good middle ground between acknowledging and ignoring the panhandler. It is enough of a communication to prevent them from feeling like you think they aren’t even there, but it isn’t a meaningful engagement or invitation for conversation.
If you’re not the greatest when it comes to improvising, come up with a scenario for your phone call ahead of time. Results from a doctor’s office, problems with your boss, and bad news from your mother are all excellent topics that you can pretend to discuss on the phone. Pick a topic that requires intense concentration and engagement. If it sounds like you’re having a relaxed conversation about the local sports team, the panhandler may still engage you.
Pretend to be messing with a radio knob before you move up. This will make it seem like you aren’t passing the panhandler on purpose.
It is best to practice responding in a non-confrontational way, which you can do by actively imagining, or journaling through, or the blind-siding the insult. If a panhandler approaches you and politely asks for change, you may aggravate them by jumping right to ignoring them or calling the police.
If you are ever threatened, followed, or yelled at by a panhandler, don’t hesitate to call the police.
The risk that you run doing this is that the panhandler may remember you. If you run into them again, you may cause a conflict if you don’t give them anything.
