[toast0]

> I shouldn't be allowed to invest my money how I see fit.

To my knowledge, the investees only need to ask you if you're an accredited investor, and tell you what that means. They don't need to actually verify that you meet the requirements. If you'ld like to invest in shady things, go right ahead.

[chachachoney]

Verification is necessary. Have you managed to invest in an endeavor which requires accredited investors while not actually meeting requirements yourself?

[kenneth]

This is false. Most offerings are done under 506b which only requires a self-declaration by the investor that he is accredited.