A contactless card reader comprises a contactless card reader front-end coupled to a processor. A communications module is coupled to the processor and a set of sensors is coupled to the processor. The set of sensors determines parameters related to the location, orientation and motion of the card reader. The processor receives the parameters from the set of sensors and utilizes the parameters and scenario configuration data to evaluate a rule. The result of the evaluation of the rule results in a limitation on the operation of the card reader. The communications module is configured to intermittently receive the scenario configuration data from external sources.