I need advice on how to handle the beggars in Las Vegas?

Last time my husband and I went to Las Vegas, we were approached many times by beggars asking for money and they were quite frankly scary to me. We walked away as fast as possible and a few followed us a short while. I was just wondering now that we are going back again, maybe there is a better solution or something I can say to them so they will leave us alone. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Also is there anything that we should do that is not common knowledge as far as free shows or freebies to get while we are there. Thanks a bunch :)