What's the proper way to deal with someone begging?

I don’t give change to anyone anymore. People ask for "spare change", which as a retiree I don’t have. Nothing is "spare" anymore. I used to carry cards with the number and address of the shelter where I’ve volunteered for many years. When people asked for food I’d hand them a card. Often I was helping in the kitchen so I knew they’d be fed. I would occasionally see them later and serve them food. Other times they’d just tear up the card. Their choice.

After years of volunteering up close and personal, I can say this, without judging; some are good people who are down on their luck, but not dangerous. This is a temporary setback for them. Others suffer from severe mental illness, and may be self-medicating with drugs or alcohol to cope. They’re not bad people either, but they’re troubled and can be unpredictable. A third category are the scammers, usually not homeless at all, but preying on the generosity or guilt of others. They don’t wear signs, alas, so you never know. Best to do what you’re doing, don’t engage. Sorry for the lengthy post. 😊

"I'm sorry, I can't" usually does the trick. They're not trying to hurt you, they're just trying to survive. If you don't feel comfortable or safe giving money, then don't. It's not this big of a problem usually. These people are used to hearing 'no' all day.

There are usually charities, churches, food kitchens, homeless shelters and homeless services out there to pitch in. You don't have to feel as if you have to solve the problem yourself. We're only human; you, me, and them

Best advice I can give came from a friend when I was in Kenya. In my work overseas I could lose all my money quickly if I gave to every beggar.
He said, I give to beggars... when I feel like it.
I'll tell you why I like that. My grandfather was reduced to begging in his youth and was only ever helped by the poor. Yet he became a company manager. A true gentleman, kind, honest, generous.
I used to have ready made answers in my head that I spat out whenever I saw beggars. But that made them less human to me, made me less human to them and me.
If I feel like it, I give something. I haven't shut off my humanity, but neither can I give to every beggar I see.

There's no perfect answer. You're right, some people are scammers, robbers, some will act weird - it makes sense especially if they're a woman since women are less likely to end up in a begging/homeless position, when they are it's usually because of mental issues, addictions things that make it hard for people to help them even if they want to. So it makes sense to have weird reactions like the woman that cussed at you.
Benefits are not really a universal answer. Some people simply won't know how to take advantage of those benefits. To some noone brothers explaining their options, others simply are mentally disabled to some degree.

So there's no real way to know a scammer from a needy person unless you really observe them for a longer time and make a decision (or they're a really obvious scammer).
If your decision is just to move on, it's ok. You felt unsafe, you have doubts about their intentions, it's not wrong it's just a way to deal with it.

"Sorry, I have nothing to spare" usually works.....

Just don't be carrying a Louis Vuitton purse...... LOL

Sounds dreadful. You can only help someone so much. We've all got problems.

I give to local charities directly so as hard as it is i say sorry no.

They are usually scammers do not give them money. Here they do like tv investigation an they follow them back to their cars and homes it’s totally disgusting!!!

When that happens to me I offer them a meal and a drink bc it’s nourishment… I never give money bc they could use it to buy bad drugs or something so I give them food/ cool drink instead ♥️

Don't UK murderers walk free after 15 years in jail

I give money to people who look genuinely homeless. But ive had a bloke come up to me and ask "do you have change?" ..I said i do thanks mate. I appreciate you asking but I'm good.

I just say no and make up an excuse. Mainly because I don't know how they might react.

Just tell them that you were going to hit them up for some change.