diff --git a/offlineimap/folder/LocalStatus.py b/offlineimap/folder/LocalStatus.py
index fbe2e24..fd4228c 100644
--- a/offlineimap/folder/LocalStatus.py
+++ b/offlineimap/folder/LocalStatus.py
@@ -65,9 +65,11 @@ class LocalStatusFolder(BaseFolder):
         file = open(self.filename, "rt")
         self.messagelist = {}
         line = file.readline().strip()
-        if not line and not line.read():
+        if not line:
             # The status file is empty - should not have happened,
             # but somehow did.
+            errstr = "Cache file '%s' is empty. Closing..." % self.filename
+            self.ui.warn(errstr)
             file.close()
             return
         assert(line == magicline)