Forums Scripts & Popups Custom identifier fails. Why?

This is a problem that is REALLY bugging me.
---
var %usernfo = $hget(Userlist,$1)
.echo 8 -s %usernfo
if (%usernfo == $null) { return $null }
---

This is the beginning of my custom identifier.
All seems good and well. However. Line 1 reads the nfo.
Line 2 SHOWS the nfo in the status window.
BUT, and here comes the annoying part. Line 3 gets triggered. What is the deal here?
I have added line 2 infront of the return command and there the %usernfo is $null.
However, AFTER line 3, if i add the .echo again, the %usernfo contains the data again?????

Can someone tell me IF i am missing something here?