Maybe he can talk then? I just assumed he was mute because he just grunts with his hand out when he wants money. You’d think if he could speak he’d have a better routine.

I do see him all the time near the Laundromat at 11th and M that you mentioned, but he has a pretty wide range. I’ve seen him at the Cosi at 12th and G, and even up by U street. Definitely a DC staple.

I used to “feel” bad about not giving to the panhandlers, but con artists rely on our feeling bad. Now, I give to a reliable charity and ignore the panhandlers. If they are really in a desperate situation there are plenty of places they can find food or shelter.

And when walking around I don’t even look at them anymore. I think they very much rely on eye contact. I also often walk with a scowl as if I’m pissed off when I see a panhandler ahead.

If by chance I do get stopped, I just say, “Sorry I don’t give out money, but I can direct you to a soup kitchen.”

If I am alone its late at night I sometimes even have talked to myself out loud. I figure that if they think I am a bit crazy and unpredictable they’ll be more likely to leave me alone.

He also said that simply telling them with a “not this time, sir/ma’am,” or “not today…” acknowledges their existence and that most will appreciate it. This is what I always do, and after years of this approach have gotten quite a few “thanks anyway” responses. I’ve even been thanked for acknowledging some of them.

this happens in every major urban area in the world and I’ve seen it in places like Mexico City, Delhi and even Paris on the Champs d’Elysses. I have not seen it in the open in Singapore or Hong Kong which may be a political commentary. in HK, you’ll get a custom made shirt or knock off watch out of a street deal.

I find the best way to respond is look ‘em in the eye, say “I’m sorry but not today” and keep on moving.

I once had a guy tell me a long complicated story about how he was a musician who had lost his wallet, so now couldn’t pay to get his car out of a garage and needed to call his wife (a nurse) at work in NYC so she could wire him some money, etc., etc. I think he eventually asked for $5 for a phone card.

Anyway, I told him “Sorry, I just don’t believe you.” When he immediately turned away cursing under his breath, I knew I had been right.

I’ve also been approached near the Anacostia metro stop by a man with a teenager whom he claimed was his retarded daughter, and asked for money to get them both downtown to a homeless shelter. I told him, “Sorry, I’ve been scammed so many times, I don’t give money on the street any more.” He was pleasant about the refusal. A couple of weeks later he tried to scam me again with the same story–only a different kid was with him, a teenage boy.

I’ve learned as a general rule not to carry to money on me.