How do you deal with aggressive subway panhandlers? (house, taxi)

[Colts]

They're getting particularly annoying as of late.

I was on the E on my way to work this morning, and this woman comes straight up to me and starts some spiel about needing taxi fare. I normally completely ignore them, but this particular woman couldn't take a hint for anything in the world.

Finally, after about two minutes, I looked her straight in the eye and told her to "get the [censored] out of my face." She looked at me like I was crazy and walked away in complete shock.

Some people...

[skilldeadly]

Do that. Say no thanks or sorry i don't have anything. They give you a problem, skip to get the bleep out of my face. Done and done.

[barkomatic]

Originally Posted by Colts

They're getting particularly annoying as of late.

I was on the E on my way to work this morning, and this woman comes straight up to me and starts some spiel about needing taxi fare. I normally completely ignore them, but this particular woman couldn't take a hint for anything in the world.

Finally, after about two minutes, I looked her straight in the eye and told her to "get the [censored] out of my face." She looked at me like I was crazy and walked away in complete shock.

Some people...

I'd tell them "Sorry, I don't have anything for you" or something like that and hopefully they will move on. If they don't, then I'd get up and walk quietly to another part of the car if you can. If there is nowhere for you to go, then I'd just continue to ignore them until the doors open at the next stop then go to another car.

I know you shouldn't have to, but frankly its the extremely aggressive panhandlers that you have to watch out for. They are the most likely to get violent and are just looking for an excuse to take out their frustration on you.

[C8N]

i was smoking a cigarette and a guy comes up to me and asks for one.
i politely say "i am sorry but this is my last one."
he calls me a "cheap f*ck" and walks away.
i was so dumbfounded, i was totally lost for words.

[JohnnyCastaway]

Usually go the "Sorry, man. I don't have any" route.

[ny789987]

Yes, they are getting particularly aggressive and annoying, as of late. It's important to stand your ground and not let them intimidate you. If they get too close, make it clear to them in no certain terms to get the %^&%^&^ out of your face. After working and paying taxes all day, I don't want to have to smell their disgusting drug addled stench or have to listen to their drama. I carry a can of small bear mace in my bag that I have as a back up.

[redvelvet709]

They aren't as confrontational in Austin, but they ARE everywhere!! Every corner near every light in every part of town. It's in my top 5 annoyances.

[illcosby]

Originally Posted by C8N

i was smoking a cigarette and a guy comes up to me and asks for one.
i politely say "i am sorry but this is my last one."
he calls me a "cheap f*ck" and walks away.
i was so dumbfounded, i was totally lost for words.

I'll share my trick with you:

I make sure no one (who would ask, you can usually spot them) is around when I remove a smoke from the pack. If someone comes up to me while I'm smoking, I just say my pack is at my office and then I'd point to some building a few blocks away. Saying you only took one from your pack before you left your house works too, if there isn't an office tower around. Never say "it's my last one", but sometimes when I know it's my last one, I'll pull out my empty pack like I'm pretending to give them one and then show them the empty pack. They usually laugh or say "no problem" or something and I curse them under my breath when they're gone. When all else fails, just keep an empty pack on you and rotate a couple smokes into that empty pack.

It's crazy how aggressive people can get when they want a cigarette.

[deecbee]

Don't make eye contact. None.

[likeminas]

Well done.
I usually ignore them too.
Some pushy ones will come up to your face and ask you.
I say in unequivocal terms 'NO'.
It works every time...